List of Oncologist near me in West des moines

An oncologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing cancer. Oncologists play a crucial role in a patients cancer journey, providing comprehensive care that encompasses various types of treatment, from chemotherapy and radiation therapy to immunotherapy and surgery. They work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to create personalized treatment plans aimed at improving outcomes, enhancing quality of life, and offering support throughout the cancer journey—from diagnosis to survivorship. Types of Oncologists There are several types of oncologists, each specializing in different areas of cancer care: Medical Oncologists: Focus on treating cancer using non-surgical methods such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. They manage the overall cancer treatment plan and provide long-term care and monitoring for patients. Surgical Oncologists: Perform surgery to remove tumors and cancerous tissues. They also perform biopsies to diagnose cancer and work alongside medical and radiation oncologists in treatment planning. Radiation Oncologists: Specialize in using radiation therapy to target and destroy cancer cells. Radiation oncologists work with advanced technology to deliver precise doses of radiation to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Pediatric Oncologists: Focus on diagnosing and treating cancers in children and adolescents, addressing the unique challenges associated with pediatric cancer care. Conditions Treated by Oncologists Oncologists treat all types of cancers, including: Breast Cancer Lung Cancer Prostate Cancer Colorectal Cancer Leukemia and Lymphoma Skin Cancer (Melanoma) Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors Gynecologic Cancers (e.g., ovarian, cervical) Pediatric Cancers (e.g., leukemia, sarcomas) Diagnostic and Treatment Services Oncologists use a variety of diagnostic tools to identify and stage cancer, including: Biopsies: Removing a small sample of tissue to examine under a microscope for cancer cells. Imaging Tests: Techniques like CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, and ultrasounds are used to detect and evaluate tumors and monitor the effectiveness of treatment. Blood Tests: Certain cancers produce markers that can be detected through blood tests, aiding in diagnosis and monitoring. Once a diagnosis is made, oncologists develop a tailored treatment plan that may include: Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells. Radiation Therapy: High-energy radiation is used to shrink tumors or eliminate cancer cells. Immunotherapy: Treatments that boost the bodys immune system to fight cancer. Targeted Therapy: Drugs designed to specifically target and block the growth of cancer cells while sparing normal cells. Surgery: For removing tumors and cancerous tissues, often combined with other treatments to reduce the risk of recurrence.