Your Cancer Care Team

A medical oncologist is a doctor who treats cancer patients with chemotherapy, biologic therapies, or other cancer-fighting drugs. Medical oncologists usually specialize in treating one or more types of cancer that occur in a specific organ or tissue (such as the liver, lungs, bone, blood, or skin), organ system (such as the central nervous system, hormonal system, or reproductive system), or region of the body (such as breast or head and neck). The medical oncologist often coordinates the activities of a patient’s treatment team.

A surgical oncologist is a doctor who uses surgery to remove tumors. Most surgical oncologists specialize in treating one or more types of cancer that occur in a specific organ (such as the liver, lungs, bone, or skin), organ system (such as the nervous or hormonal system), or region of the body (such as breast or head and neck). Many MSK surgeons are trained to use specialized instruments or minimally invasive techniques, such as robotic surgery, laparoscopic surgery, or microsurgery.

A radiation oncologist is a doctor who prescribes radiation therapy (beams of high-energy radiation, or radioactive seed implants) to shrink or eliminate tumors. He or she works together with a medical physicist to create an individualized treatment plan for each patient. Some radiation oncologists specialize in treating one or more types of cancer that occur in a specific organ (such as the prostate, lungs, or bone) or region of the body. Many MSK radiation oncologists have special expertise in using precisely targeted approaches such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT).

An interventional radiologist is a doctor who uses imaging techniques such as CT, ultrasound, and MRI to guide the delivery of treatments directly to a tumor. Interventional radiology procedures—such as tumor ablation (using heat or cold to kill tumor cells) or embolization (using beads or other substances to block a tumor’s blood supply)—are performed with very small incisions. Some interventional radiology procedures are performed in combination with surgery. For some cancers, interventional radiology techniques are also commonly used in place of surgery to remove tissue for a biopsy (examination of tissue under a microscope).

You will encounter clinical nurses throughout your treatment at MSK, whether you are being cared for as an inpatient or outpatient. Clinical nurses will help you prepare for surgery, chemotherapy infusion, or radiation treatment, and in other procedural and diagnostic areas. Outpatient nurses, perioperative nurses, and inpatient nurses are all considered clinical nurses.

Outpatient nurses collaborate with a single physician on the patient care team, providing patients and their families with a consistent source of information, education, and support during office visits and home care. Patients who contact the doctor’s office with questions about their treatment or symptoms first speak with an outpatient nurse, who can provide expert advice as well as referrals to specialists in other departments such as social work, nutrition, smoking cessation, and integrative medicine. Research study nurses are trained to identify specific problems that may arise for patients participating in a clinical trial.

Perioperative nurses are responsible for patient care during the periods just before, during, and immediately after surgery. Perioperative nurses provide specialized care in the presurgery center, operating rooms, procedure rooms, and recovery rooms. If you are scheduled to go home immediately following your surgery or procedure, perioperative nurses ensure that you and your family receive and understand your discharge instructions and will phone you at home during your recovery.

Inpatient nurses are responsible for people whose care requires a hospital stay. Whether you are admitted to the hospital immediately after surgery or for treatments such as chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant, inpatient nurses will administer your care, assess your response to treatment and medication, educate you and your family about your care needs at home, and coordinate your discharge from the hospital.

Nurse practitioners have completed advanced education in nursing. They work with physicians and other members of the patient care team to develop and carry out a treatment plan that meets the needs of individual patients and their families. They order medications, treatments, and diagnostic tests, and may perform some procedures. Nurse practitioners also provide long-term follow-up care for cancer survivors.

Clinical nurse specialists have advanced education in nursing and assist the care team in managing patients with complex needs. They provide bedside care, ongoing assessment, and education and support for patients and their families. They also mentor staff and support professional development activities.

These individuals provide basic patient care and support under the direction and supervision of a registered professional nurse.

A pathologist identifies and classifies different types of cancer by studying the appearance of cells and tissue. Many types of cancer can be identified by the appearance of their cells under a microscope. MSK pathologists specialize in characterizing certain types of cancer, and are trained to examine blood cells, cancer cells, or other types of tissue. Some specialize in looking for genetic abnormalities that are associated with certain diseases or cancers. Pathology results are critical in determining the precise stage (extent) of disease or cancer.

A radiologist, also known as a diagnostic radiologist, is a doctor who uses medical imaging technology, such as x-rays, CT, MRI, or ultrasound, to examine internal organs and other structures. Radiologists interpret information from imaging tests to help make an accurate diagnosis for many types of cancer.

A nuclear medicine specialist is a doctor who administers radionuclides (molecules that emit radiation) to help identify cancer. Radionuclides are attached to substances that travel through the body and are absorbed by certain types of cancer. These specialists use scanners to locate radionuclides in the body, revealing a tumor’s location. They may also administer medicines that deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation to tumors.

A genetic cancer specialist is a doctor who uses laboratory tests to identify features in a person’s genetic code that can provide a more precise estimate of his or her risk of developing cancer. They also use such biological markers to predict a cancer patient’s response to certain medical treatments.

An anesthesiologist is a doctor who administers medicines that block sensation (such as pain) or awareness during surgical procedures. They consult with surgeons to develop an anesthesia plan that is tailored to a person’s needs for the duration of a procedure.

An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases that affect the production of hormones. Our endocrinologists focus on diagnosing and treating cancers that begin in hormone-producing glands and organs, including the adrenal, pituitary, thyroid, and parathyroid glands, and in the ovaries, hypothalamus, testes, and pancreas. Some MSK endocrinologists also treat patients who have cancer of the neuroendocrine system, which triggers the production of hormones that regulate bodily functions through the nervous system.

A gastroenterologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats cancers of the digestive system, such as stomach cancer. Gastroenterologists perform a variety of procedures, such as colonoscopies, to see portions of the digestive system that are difficult to view with diagnostic imaging techniques.

A hematologist is a doctor who specializes in treating blood disorders. Hematologic oncologists focus on treating cancers that arise in blood cells, such as leukemia.

Medical physicists work with radiation oncologists to ensure that each patient receives the appropriate radiation dose during radiation therapy treatments. Medical physicists also work with radionuclides (molecules that emit radiation), which are sometimes used in imaging tests. In addition, medical physicists may perform quality control of radiation therapy equipment.

A neurologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases of the nervous system. Neuro-oncologists focus on treating patients with cancers of the central nervous system, such as brain and spinal cord tumors. A neurosurgeon specializes in surgery for the brain and nervous system.

A physiatrist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating patients who have physical impairments and/or disabilities related to cancer or cancer therapy. The physiatrist’s goal is to improve patient quality of life and function. Physiatrists prescribe treatments for patients with musculoskeletal disorders, neuropathy (damage to the nervous system), spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, bowel and bladder dysfunction, amputation, osteoporosis, and lymphedema (a chronic swelling of a limb due to the removal of lymph nodes). Treatments may include physical or occupational therapy, assistive devices, and medications.

A radiation therapist is a healthcare professional who administers radiation therapy as prescribed by a radiation oncologist. They educate patients about radiation treatment and its potential side effects, monitor treatment, and share results with other members of the patient care team.

A pulmonologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases and cancers of the lungs and respiratory tract. MSK pulmonologists use a variety of tools to evaluate lung function and work with a multidisciplinary team that may include a surgeon, radiologist, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, and nursing staff.

A physician assistant can perform a variety of healthcare services under the supervision of a doctor. Physician assistants may administer cancer screening tests, conduct physical examinations, order and interpret tests, assist with surgical procedures, prescribe medications, and order chemotherapy. Some perform procedures such as lumbar puncture (the removal of cerebral spinal fluid) and biopsy (the removal of fluid or tissue for examination under a microscope).

MSK’s Clinical Genetics Service includes counselors who are specially trained to help patients and their families understand their genetic risk factors for certain types of cancer. Genetic counselors can help interpret the results of genetic screening tests and information from personal or family histories. They also make referrals to psychologists and other counselors trained to help patients cope with the challenges that may arise from genetic testing. Learn more about the Clinical Genetics Service.

Patients with certain types of cancer—such as head and neck cancer, stomach cancer, or pancreatic cancer—may have dietary limitations during or after treatment. A nutritionist/dietitian specializes in helping patients plan menus during their hospital stay and after treatment. Learn more about our Medical Nutrition Therapy Services team.

Oncology social workers assist with the emotional, social, and physical impact of a cancer diagnosis. They may provide counseling and practical assistance, help children cope with their parent’s illness, improve communication with family and friends, teach stress reduction techniques, provide information on community resources, and ease adjustment to medical treatment.

A psychiatrist is a doctor who specializes in treating depression and anxiety, which can occur during or after cancer therapy. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, which can help patients adjust to life during or after cancer treatment.

Rehabilitation therapists are trained to help patients regain functions that were compromised during cancer treatment. They specialize in providing physical, occupational, speech, or recreational therapy services, and work closely with physiatrists, who prescribe rehabilitative therapies. Learn more about our Rehabilitation Services.