Definitions of Doctor Specialties | Alta Bates Summit Medical Center | Berkeley - Oakland - San Francisco East Bay Area Main content Definitions of Doctor Specialties The following physician specialties are listed in alphabetical order and reflect the same specialty options listed on the drop-down menu of our Find A Doctor search tool. Visit our search tool to select an Alta Bates Summit doctor if you don't see the specialty you're looking for in this list. A - E | F - L | M - N | O - P | R - Z A - E Addiction Medicine: The branch of medicine that concentrates on helping people overcome repetitive behaviors that can range from drug and alcohol dependency to tobacco use and eating disorders. Learn about our chemical dependency services Allergy & Immunology: The study and treatment of the body's reaction to foreign and non-foreign substances. Ailments treated by an immunologist include hay fever, asthma, hives and other abnormal responses to allergens that range from dust and food to animals and chemicals. Find an allergist / immunologist Anesthesiology: An anesthesiologist is a physician who specializes in the administration of anesthesia for pain relief, and the care of patients before, during, and after surgery.

The anesthesiologist monitors vital organ functions including heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and blood-oxygen saturation during surgery. Anesthesiologists may also provide diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain. Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery: Surgery on the stomach and/or intestines to help a person with extreme obesity lose weight. Back to top F - L Family Medicine: Comprehensive medical care with an emphasis on caring for all members of the family. Family medicine builds upon a core of knowledge derived from other disciplines, primarily pediatrics, internal medicine, OB/GYN, geriatrics, surgery and psychiatry. This specialty was formerly known as Family Practice until the certifying board changed the name in 2006. Find a family medicine doctor Gastroenterology: The study and treatment of conditions of the digestive system. A gastroenterologist diagnoses and treats disorders of the stomach, intestines, bowels and other structures, such as the liver, gall bladder, pancreas and esophagus, and focus on maladies that include ulcers, jaundice, colitis, hepatitis and cancer. Back to top O - P Obstetrics and Gynecology: OB/GYN is the field of medicine devoted to conditions specific to women.

Obstetrics is the care of a woman during pregnancy and during and after childbirth. Gynecology is the study and care of the female reproductive system. An OB/GYN specialist combines these two disciplines to provide comprehensive care for women. Find an ob / gyn doctor Ophthalmology: The medical specialty devoted to care of the eye and the treatment of diseases that affect eyes and vision. An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats abnormalities of the eye and performs surgery on the eye. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors and are different from optometrists (who test vision and prescribe corrective lenses) and opticians (who make or sell corrective eyewear). Find an ophthalmologist Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery: The branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases, injuries and deformities of the teeth, mouth and jaw. Specialists in this field are also called dental surgeons. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery: A physician treating with disease and injury to the jaw and facial bones. Find an orthopedist Orthopedic Surgery: Orthopedic surgery is the branch of surgery concerned with acute, chronic, traumatic, and overuse injuries and other disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Orthopedic surgeons address most musculoskeletal ailments including arthritis, trauma and congenital deformities using both surgical and non-surgical means. Find an orthopedic surgeon Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose, and Throat): A division of medical science that focuses on the ears, nose and throat (ENT). Otolaryngologists diagnose and treat disorders from the shoulders up, with the exception of the eyes and brain. Conditions they may deal with include hearing loss, tonsillitis and nasal obstructions. Find an otolaryngologist Pain Management: Physicians and other pain experts choose from an extensive series of diagnostic tests to precisely identify the source of a patient's pain. Treatment and management possibilities are wide ranging and include physical therapy, behavioral therapy, biofeedback and pain-relieving devices that are implanted under the skin. Find a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor Plastic Surgery: The repair, restoration, or reconstruction of different parts of the body. Plastic and reconstructive surgeons not only perform elective cosmetic surgery to improve appearance, they also repair and reconstruct the facial features and bodies of patients with conditions caused by burns, injuries, diseases and congenital deformities. Find a plastic surgeon Podiatry: The study, prevention, and treatment of problems of the foot.

A podiatrist may prescribe corrective devices and medication, or recommend physical therapy. Podiatrists attend colleges of podiatric medicine and graduates are doctors of podiatric medicine (DPM). Podiatrists with advanced training also do various types of foot surgery. Radiotherapy - Cancer Council Victoria On this page: What is radiotherapy? | How does radiotherapy work? | Why have radiotherapy? | How is radiotherapy given? | Where will I have treatment? | Can I have radiotherapy if I am pregnant? | Will I be able to work during radiotherapy? | How will I know if the treatment has worked? | Which health professionals will I see? What is radiotherapy Radiotherapy uses radiation, such as x-rays, gamma rays, electron beams or protons, to kill cancer cells or damage them so they cannot grow or multiply. It is a localised treatment, which means it generally only affects the part of the body where the radiation is targeted. How does radiotherapy work? Radiotherapy kills or damages cancer cells in the area being treated. Cancer cells begin to die within days or weeks of treatment starting and continue to die for weeks or months after it finishes. Although the radiation can also damage healthy cells, these can usually repair themselves.

You should not feel any pain during radiotherapy, but some side effects can cause pain or discomfort. Refer to the managing side effects page for more information and ways to prevent or manage side effects. Why have radiotherapy? Many people with cancer have radiotherapy. Research shows that at least one in two people with cancer would benefit from radiotherapy treatment. It can be used for several reasons: To achieve remission or cure Radiotherapy is given with the aim of causing the signs and symptoms of cancer to reduce or disappear. This may be called curative treatment. For control Radiotherapy is given to control the cancer by making it smaller or stopping it from spreading. To help other treatments Radiotherapy is used before (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant) other treatments to make treatment more effective. It can also be used at the same time as some treatments, such as chemotherapy. For symptom relief (palliative treatment) Radiotherapy can help to relieve symptoms, such as pain or bleeding, to help you feel as well as possible. For example, it can help to reduce the pressure a tumour places on other organs in the body, which may relieve pain. How is radiotherapy given?

Radiotherapy can be given in two ways: External radiotherapy Radiation beams from a large machine called a linear accelerator are aimed towards the area of the body where the cancer is located. The process is similar to having an x-ray. You will lie on a treatment table underneath the machine, which will remain outside of your body. You will not see or feel the treatment, although the linear accelerator can be noisy. Internal radiotherapy A radiation source is placed inside the body, injected into a vein, or taken by mouth. Types of internal radiotherapy include brachytherapy, where a temporary or permanent radiation source is put inside the body into or near the cancer; radionuclide therapy, where a radioactive substance is given as a capsule or liquid to swallow or via an injection; and selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT), which uses pellets to treat cancer in the liver. You may have one or both types of radiotherapy depending on: the type of cancer the size of the cancer where the cancer is in your body whether you are having other cancer treatment your age and general health. See more detail on external and internal radiotherapy. Where will I have treatment? Radiotherapy is usually given in large hospitals or private clinics.

It is delivered by specially trained staff called radiation therapists or nuclear medicine specialists, and is supervised by doctors called radiation oncologists, who are the main treating medical specialists for people having radiotherapy. The linear accelerator that delivers external radiotherapy is large and takes up a lot of space, so it is located in a dedicated room. See external radiotherapy for an illustration of a linear accelerator. Travelling to appointments While treatment schedules vary, most people have radiotherapy as an outpatient. This means you do not stay in hospital, but travel to the treatment centre for each session. Radiotherapy centres do their best to arrange your treatment at times that are convenient for you. If you drive to treatment, you may feel tired after a few weeks and want to organise for someone to drive you. If the treatment centre is a long distance from your home, you may be eligible for financial assistance towards the cost of accommodation or travel. For details, speak to the hospital social worker or radiotherapy department receptionist, call Cancer Council 13 11 20, or see our patient transport factsheet . Can I have radiotherapy if I am pregnant? You will probably not be able to have radiotherapy if you are pregnant, as radiation can harm a developing baby.

It’s important that you don’t become pregnant during treatment. Men who have radiotherapy should avoid getting their partner pregnant during treatment and for about six months afterwards, as radiation can damage sperm. Your doctor will be able to give you more information about radiotherapy and pregnancy. Will I be able to work during radiotherapy? Some people can continue to work during radiotherapy treatment, while others may need to reduce their hours or take time off. How much you are able to work depends on the type of radiotherapy you have, how the treatment makes you feel and the type of work you do. Your treatment team will encourage you to be as active as possible, and they can answer your questions about working during treatment. How will I know the treatment has worked? After treatment finishes, you will have regular check-ups with your doctor. You will have a physical examination, and you may have tests or scans to check whether the cancer has responded to treatment. It may be some time after radiotherapy finishes before the full benefit is known. Because cancer cells continue to die for weeks or months after treatment ends, your medical team won’t be able to give you progress updates during treatment. However, they can help you manage any side effects.

If radiotherapy is given as palliative treatment, the relief of symptoms will indicate that the treatment has worked. This may take a few days or weeks. Which health professionals will I see? Your treatment team will be made up of health professionals who care for people having radiotherapy. Some of these are listed in the table below. You will also see other health professionals who specialise in diagnosing and treating the type of cancer you have. Health professional can recommend an eating plan to follow while you are in treatment and recovery social worker, psychologist link you to support services and help you with any emotional issues associated with cancer and treatment physiotherapist, occupational therapist help you with any physical or practical issues associated with cancer and treatment Reviewed by: A/Prof Martin Borg, Radiation Oncologist, Adelaide Radiotherapy Centre, SA; Dr Daniel Badger, Medical Physicist, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, SA; Jason Bonifacio, Centre Leader, St Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst, Waratah Private Hospital, Hurstville, Radiation Oncology Associates & Genesis CancerCare, NSW; Melissa Cadzow, Consumer; Kim Fotheringham, Radiation Oncology Nurse, W.P.

Holman Clinic, Launceston General Hospital, TAS; Kath Lockier, Consumer; Dr Kathy Pope, Radiation Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Simoene Smith, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council NSW. Skin, Hair, and Nails Skin, Hair, and Nails La piel, el cabello y las uñas Your skin is your largest organ. If the skin of a typical 150-pound (68-kilogram) adult male were stretched out flat, it would cover about 2 square yards (1.7 square meters) and weigh about 9 pounds (4 kilograms). Skin protects the network of muscles, bones , nerves, blood vessels , and everything else inside our bodies. Eyelids have the thinnest skin, the soles of our feet the thickest. Hair is actually a modified type of skin. Hair grows everywhere on the human body except the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and lips. Hair grows more quickly in summer than winter, and more slowly at night than during the day. Like hair, nails are a type of modified skin — and they're not just for beauty.

Nails protect the sensitive tips of our fingers and toes. Human nails are not necessary for living, but they do provide support for the tips of the fingers and toes, protect them from injury, and aid in picking up small objects. Without them, we'd have a hard time scratching an itch or untying a knot. Nails can be an indicator of a person's general health, and illness often affects their growth. Skin Basics Skin is essential to a person's survival. It forms a barrier that prevents harmful substances and microorganisms from entering the body. It protects body tissues against injury. Our skin also controls the loss of life-sustaining fluids like blood and water, helps us regulate body temperature through perspiration, and protects us from the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays. Without the nerve cells in our skin, we couldn't feel warmth, cold, or other sensations. Our skin can also respond to situations and emotions: Muscles in the skin called erector pili contract to make the hairs on our skin stand up straight (goosebumps) when we are cold or frightened — for insulation and protection. Every square inch of skin contains thousands of cells and hundreds of sweat glands, oil glands, nerve endings, and blood vessels.

Skin is made up of three layers: the epidermis (pronounced: ep-ih-DUR-mis), dermis, and the subcutaneous (pronounced: sub-kyoo-TAY-nee-us) tissue. continue Skin Cells and Layers The upper layer of our skin, the epidermis, is the tough, protective outer layer. It is about as thick as a sheet of paper over most parts of the body. The epidermis has four layers of cells that are constantly flaking off and being renewed. In these four layers are three special types of cells: Melanocytes (pronounced: meh-LAH-nuh-sites) produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. All people have roughly the same number of melanocytes; the more melanin that is produced, the darker the skin. Exposure to sunlight increases the production of melanin, which is why people get suntanned or freckled. Keratinocytes (pronounced: ker-uh-TIH-no-sites) produce keratin, a type of protein that is a basic component of hair and nails. Keratin is also found in skin cells in the skin's outer layer, where it helps create a protective barrier.

Langerhans (pronounced: LAHNG-ur-hanz) cells help protect the body against infection. Because the cells in the epidermis are completely replaced about every 28 days, cuts and scrapes heal quickly. Below the epidermis is the next layer of our skin, the dermis, which is made up of blood vessels, nerve endings, and connective tissue. The dermis nourishes the epidermis. Without certain molecules in the dermis, our skin wouldn't stretch when we bend or reposition itself when we straighten up. These two types of fibers in the dermis, collagen and elastin, help the skin stretch and reposition itself when we move. Collagen is strong and hard to stretch and elastin, as its name suggests, is elastic. In older people, some of the elastin-containing fibers degenerate, which is one reason why the skin looks wrinkled (most wrinkles are caused by sun exposure, though!). The dermis also contains a person's sebaceous glands. These glands, which surround and empty into our hair follicles and pores, produce an oil called sebum (pronounced: SEE-bum) that lubricates the skin and hair.

Sebaceous glands are found mostly in the skin on the face, upper back, shoulders, and chest. Most of the time, the sebaceous glands make the right amount of sebum. As a person's body begins to mature and develop during the teenage years, though, hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands to make more sebum. This can lead to acne when pores become clogged by too much sebum and too many dead skin cells. Later in life, these glands produce less sebum, which contributes to dry skin in older people. The bottom layer of our skin, the subcutaneous tissue, is made up of connective tissue, sweat glands, blood vessels, and cells that store fat. This layer helps protect the body from blows and other injuries and helps it hold in body heat. There are two types of sweat-producing glands. The eccrine (pronounced: EH-krun) glands are found everywhere in our bodies, although they are mostly in the forehead, palms, and soles of the feet. By producing sweat, these glands help regulate body temperature, and waste products are excreted through them.

The other type of sweat-producing gland, the apocrine glands, develop at puberty and are concentrated in the armpits and pubic region. The sweat from the apocrine glands is thicker than that produced by the eccrine glands. Although this sweat doesn't smell, when it mixes with bacteria on the skin's surface, it can cause body odor. A normal, healthy adult secretes about 1 pint (about half a liter) of sweat daily, but this may be increased by physical activity, fever, or a hot environment. previous continue Hair Basics The hair on our heads isn't just there for looks. It keeps us warm by preserving heat. The hair in our nose, ears, and around our eyes protects these sensitive areas of the body from dust and other small particles. Eyebrows and eyelashes protect our eyes by decreasing the amount of light and particles that go into them. The fine hair that covers our bodies provides warmth and protects our skin. Hair also cushions the body against injury. Human hair consists of the hair shaft, which projects from the skin's surface, and the root, a soft thickened bulb at the base of the hair embedded in the skin. The root ends in the hair bulb.

The hair bulb sits in a sac-like pit in the skin called the follicle, from which the hair grows. At the bottom of the follicle is the papilla, where hair growth actually takes place. The papilla contains an artery that nourishes the root of the hair. As cells multiply and produce keratin to harden the structure, they are pushed up the follicle and through the skin's surface as a shaft of hair. Each hair has three layers: the medulla at the center, which is soft; the cortex, which surrounds the medulla and is the main part of the hair; and the cuticle, the hard outer layer that protects the shaft. Hair grows by forming new cells at the base of the root. These cells multiply to form a rod of tissue in the skin. The rods of cells move upward through the skin as new cells form beneath them. As they move up, they are cut off from their supply of nourishment and start to form a hard protein called keratin in a process called keratinization (pronounced: ker-uh-tuh-nuh-ZAY-shun). As this process occurs, the hair cells die. The dead cells and keratin form the shaft of the hair.

Each hair grows about ¼ inch (about 6 millimeters) every month and keeps on growing for up to 6 years. The hair then falls out and another grows in its place. The length of a person's hair depends on the length of the growing phase of the follicle. Follicles are active for 2 to 6 years; they rest for about 3 months after that. A person becomes bald if the scalp follicles become inactive and no longer produce new hair. Thick hair grows out of large follicles; narrow follicles produce thin hair. The color of a person's hair is determined by the amount and distribution of melanin in the cortex of each hair (the same melanin that's found in the epidermis). Hair also contains a yellow-red pigment; people who have blonde or red hair have only a small amount of melanin in their hair. Hair becomes gray when people age because pigment no longer forms. previous continue All About Nails Nails grow out of deep folds in the skin of the fingers and toes. As epidermal cells below the nail root move up to the surface of the skin, they increase in number, and those closest to the nail root become flattened and pressed tightly together.

Each cell is transformed into a thin plate; these plates are piled in layers to form the nail. As with hair, nails are formed by keratinization. When the nail cells accumulate, the nail is pushed forward. The skin below the nail is called the matrix. The larger part of the nail, the nail plate, looks pink because of the network of tiny blood vessels in the underlying dermis. The whitish crescent-shaped area at the base of the nail is called the lunula. Fingernails grow about three or four times as quickly as toenails. Like hair, nails grow more rapidly in summer than in winter. If a nail is torn off, it will regrow if the matrix is not severely injured. White spots on the nail are sometimes due to temporary changes in growth rate. Skin Problems Some of the things that can affect the skin, nails, and hair are described below. Dermatitis Medical experts use the term dermatitis (pronounced: dur-mah-TY-tus) to refer to any inflammation that might be associated with swelling, itching, and redness of the skin. There are many types of dermatitis, including: Atopic dermatitis is also called eczema .

It's a common, hereditary dermatitis that causes an itchy rash primarily on the face, trunk, arms, and legs. It commonly develops in infancy, but can also appear in early childhood. It may be associated with allergic diseases such as asthma or food, seasonal, or environmental allergies. Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritating substance or a substance that a person is allergic to. The best-known cause of contact dermatitis is poison ivy. But lots of other things cause contact dermatitis, including chemicals found in laundry detergent, cosmetics, and perfumes, and metals like jewelry, nickel plating on a belt buckle, or the back of the buttons on your jeans. Seborrheic dermatitis, an oily rash on the scalp, face, chest, and back, is related to an overproduction of sebum from the sebaceous glands. This condition is common in teens. Bacterial Skin Infections Impetigo . Impetigo (pronounced: im-puh-TY-go) is a bacterial infection that results in a honey-colored, crusty rash, often on the face near the mouth and nose. Cellulitis .

Cellulitis (pronounced: sell-yuh-LY-tus) is an infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue that typically occurs when bacteria are introduced through a puncture, bite, or other break in the skin. The affected area is usually warm and tender and has some redness. Streptococcal and staphylococcal infections. These two kinds of bacteria are the main causes of cellulitis and impetigo. Certain types of these bacteria are also responsible for distinctive rashes on the skin, including the rashes associated with scarlet fever and toxic shock syndrome . Fungal Infections Fungal Infections of the Skin and Nails Candidal dermatitis. A warm, moist environment, such as that found in the folds of the skin in the diaper area of infants, is perfect for growth of the yeast Candida. Yeast infections of the skin in older children, teens, and adults are less common. Tinea infection ( ringworm ). Ringworm, which isn't a worm at all, is a fungus infection that can affect the skin, nails, or scalp. Tinea (pronounced: TIH-nee-uh) fungi can infect the skin and related tissues of the body.

The medical name for ringworm of the scalp is tinea capitis; ringworm of the body is called tinea corporis; and ringworm of the nails is called tinea unguium. With tinea corporis, the fungi can cause scaly, ring-like lesions anywhere on the body. Tinea pedis ( athlete's foot ). This infection of the feet is caused by the same types of fungi (called dermatophytes) that cause ringworm. Athlete's foot is commonly found in adolescents and is more likely to happen during warm weather. Other Skin Problems Parasitic infestations. Parasites (usually tiny insects or worms) can feed on or burrow into the skin, often resulting in an itchy rash. Scabies and lice are examples of parasitic infestations. Both are contagious — meaning they can be easily caught from other people. Viral infections. Many viruses cause characteristic rashes on the skin, including varicella (pronounced: var-ih-SEL-uh), the virus that causes chicken pox and shingles; herpes simplex, which causes cold sores; human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes warts ; and a host of others.

Acne (acne vulgaris). Acne is the single most common skin condition in teens. Some degree of acne is seen in 85% of adolescents, and nearly all teens have the occasional pimple, blackhead, or whitehead. Skin cancer. Skin cancer is rare in children and teens, but good sun protection habits established during these years can help prevent skin cancers like melanoma (pronounced: mel-uh-NO-ma, a serious form of skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body) later in life, especially among fair-skinned people who sunburn easily. In addition to these diseases and conditions, the skin can be injured in a number of ways. Minor scrapes, cuts, and bruises heal quickly on their own, but other injuries — severe cuts and burns, for example — require medical treatment. Disorders of the Scalp and Hair Tinea capitis, a type of ringworm, is a fungal infection that forms a scaly, ring-like lesion in the scalp. It's contagious and common among school-age children. Alopecia (pronounced: ah-luh-PEE-sha) is an area of hair loss. Ringworm is a common cause of temporary alopecia in children.

Alopecia can also be caused by tight braiding that pulls on the hair roots (this condition is called traction alopecia). Alopecia areata (where a person's hair falls out in round or oval patches on the scalp) is a less common condition that can sometimes affect teens. Health Professionals Associated With Cancer Care Health Professionals Associated With Cancer Care If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, chances are you’ll meet many different medical professionals during your cancer treatment. You’ll find that many of them are “specialists” or “specialize” in certain areas of medicine or mental health. This means they’ve had extra training that focuses on a certain type of treatment, body system, or health problem. Don’t be afraid to ask the people caring for you what their role is in your care, what kind of training they’ve had, and what part of your care or treatment they’ll be providing. This short explanation of medical titles can tell you more about some of the health care professionals you may meet. anesthesiologist (AN-es-THEE-zee-AHL-uh-jist): a doctor who specializes in giving drugs or other agents (like gasses) that cause a total loss of feeling or relieve pain, most often during surgery.

The drugs may put the patient into a deep sleep so they not aware of procedures or surgery. case manager: the member of the cancer care team who coordinates the patient’s care throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery; often a nurse or cancer nurse specialist. The goal of case management is that one person directs or oversees the patient’s care. For example, a case manager may help the patient get through the complexities of the health care system by working with the health insurance company, getting quicker answers to important questions, managing crises, and connecting the patient and family to needed resources. chaplain: a member of the clergy who attends to the spiritual needs of the patient and family. Often a chaplain is trained to care for people of many denominations, faiths, and beliefs. dermatologist (DER-muh-TAHL-uh-jist): a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases. A dermatological oncologist has specialized training in diagnosing and treating skin cancers. dietitian (DIE-uh-TISH-un) or registered dietitian(RD): an expert in the area of nutrition, food, and diet who has at least a bachelor’s degree and has passed a national board exam.

Many RDs specialize in areas like weight management, exercise science, cancer care, or cardiac rehabilitation. See also nutritionist. discharge coordinator: often a nurse or social worker who helps make sure that patients leaving the hospital have what they need to continue their recovery at home, or may help a patient find other places to go after leaving the hospital, such as a nursing home or rehab, where they can continue to get the care they need. doctor of osteopathic (OS-tee-uh-PATH-ick) medicine (DO): a doctor with a licensing and educational background much like that of a medical doctor (MD). They tend to be primary care physicians and are specially trained to use a “whole person” approach to medicine rather than just treating specific symptoms. See also primary care physician. dosimetrist (doe-SIM-uh-trist): a person with special training and certification who calculates and plans the correct radiation dose (the amount, rate, and how the dose is spread out) for cancer treatment and/or other diseases that require radiation treatment.

endocrinologist (EN-duh-kruh-NAHL-uh-jist): a doctor who specializes in diseases related to the glands of the endocrine system, such as the thyroid, pituitary, pancreas, pineal, and adrenal glands. enterostomal therapist (EN-ter-o-STO-mal THER-uh-pist): a health professional, often a nurse, who has been trained in an accredited program in enterostomal therapy to teach people how to care for ostomies (surgically created openings such as a colostomy or urostomy) and wounds. Also called an ostomy nurse or a wound care nurse. gastroenterologist (GAS-tro-EN-ter-AHL-uh-jist): a doctor who specializes in diseases of the digestive (gastrointestinal or GI) tract.

genetic (juh-NET-ick) counselor: a specially trained health professional who: Helps people decide whether to have genetic testing done Helps people understand the risk of a genetic disorder within a family Provides information about the options available depending on the results of genetic testing Helps the patient consider the screening and preventive measures that are best based on the test results gynecologic oncologist (GUY-nuh-kuh-LA-jik on-KAHL-uh-jist): a doctor who specializes in cancers of the female sex (reproductive) organs. gynecologist (GUY-nuh-KAHL-uh-jist): a doctor who specializes in female health issues, including sexual and reproductive function and the diseases of their reproductive organs, except diseases of the breast that require surgery. hematologist (HE-muh-TAHL-uh-jist): a doctor who specializes in diseases of the blood and blood-forming tissues. home health nurse: a nurse who provides care in the patient’s home, including giving medicines and certain treatments; teaches patients and families about their care; and checks on the patient to see if medical care is needed.

licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN): a nurse who has completed a year or so of technical health training, and passed a licensing test. This nurse can give medicines, help patients with physical hygiene and care, and perform many other health care-related tasks. medical oncologist (on-KAHL-uh-jist): a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer with chemotherapy and other drugs. A medical oncologist is different from a surgical oncologist, who mostly treats cancer with surgery. neonatologist (NEE-o-nay-TAHL-uh-jist): a doctor who specializes in the care of newborn babies (until about 6 weeks of age, but often longer for babies who were born prematurely). nephrologist (neh-FRAHL-uh-jist): a doctor who specializes in kidney diseases. neurosurgeon (NUR-o-SUR-jun): a doctor who specializes in operations to treat problems involving the brain, spinal cord, or nerves. nurse practitioner (nurs prak-TIH-shun-er): a registered nurse with a master’s or doctoral degree and special certification who has advanced training and clinical experience in a certain area of medical and nursing practice.

Licensed and certified nurse practitioners diagnose and manage illness and disease, usually working closely with a doctor. nutritionist (noo-TRIH-shun-ist): a term used sometimes interchangeably with dietitian, but educational requirements for nutritionists vary by state. Programs to certify nutritionists now exist, but requirements vary. See also dietitian. occupational (ok-you-PAY-shun-uhl) therapist (OT): a licensed and specially trained therapist who works with people who have impairments or limitations to help them develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. They also work to prevent disability and maintain health. The practice of occupational therapy includes evaluation, treatment, and consultation. oncologist (on-KAHL-uh-jist): a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer. oncology clinical nurse specialist (on-KAHL-o-jee KLIN-ih-kull nurs SPESH-uh-list) (CNS): a registered nurse with a master’s degree and advanced clinical practice in oncology nursing who specializes in the care of cancer patients. Oncology CNSs have many different roles depending on the setting.

They may give direct patient or family care; supervise staff caring for patients and families; do nursing research related to cancer patients; or teach patients, families, and staff about cancer, treatment, and side effects. oncology (on-KAHL-o-jee) social worker: a person with a master’s degree in social work who is an expert in coordinating and providing help with the social and emotional needs of the cancer patient and family. The oncology social worker may do counseling, help patients and families manage financial problems, work on housing or child care issues (such as when treatments are given at a facility away from home), and help people cope with different types of emotional distress. ophthalmologist (OFF-thuhl-MAHL-uh-jist): a doctor who specializes in eye diseases. oral and maxillofacial (MAX-ill-o-FAY-shul) surgeon: a surgeon who specializes in surgery of the mouth, jaw, and face. orthopedic (or-thuh-PEE-dik) surgeon: a surgeon who specializes in diseases and injuries of the muscles, joint, and bones (the musculoskeletal system).

otolaryngologist (O-toe-LAIR-in-GOL-uh-jist): a doctor who specializes in diseases and injuries of the ear, nose, and throat. Also called an ENT (which stands for ears, nose, and throat) or a head and neck doctor. pain specialists: doctors, nurses, and/or pharmacists who are experts in pain control. In many places there’s a team of health professionals who are available to address pain issues. palliative (PAL-ee-uh-tiv) care specialists: doctors, nurses, and/or pharmacists who help keep a person comfortable by managing bothersome symptoms, such as pain, nausea, or fatigue. They are not trying to cure the disease, but help the person have the best possible quality of life. They can help at any stage of cancer, from diagnosis to the end of life. palliative (PAL-ee-uh-tiv) care team: typically includes a palliative care doctor who leads the team and works with a nurse, social worker, patient navigator, and maybe a person with a spiritual role such as a chaplain or a priest, to treat symptoms but not necessarily the cause of the symptoms.

pathologist (path-AHL-uh-jist): a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and classifying diseases by lab tests and by looking at tissue and cells under a microscope. The pathologist determines whether a tumor is cancer, and, if cancer, the exact cell type (where it started) and grade (how fast it likely will grow). patient navigator: the person who guides patients and their families through complex medical systems and helps them work with the rest of the cancer care team to overcome barriers to care that may come up so they can successfully complete their treatment. Navigators can be lay people with special training and experience or health care professionals, like nurses or social workers. pediatric oncologist (PEE-dee-AT-trick on-KAHL-uh-jist): a doctor who specializes in caring for children and teens with cancer (sometimes up to age 21). pediatrician (PEE-dee-uh-TRISH-un): a doctor who specializes in caring for children and teens, including the prevention of illness, primary health care, and the treatment of diseases.

physical (FIZ-ick-uhl) therapist (PT): a licensed health professional, who has at least a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy, who helps examine, test, and treat physical problems, and uses exercises, heat, cold, and other methods to restore or maintain the body’s strength, mobility, and f unction. physician assistant (PA): a certified and licensed medical professional with a master’s or doctoral level degree. Physician assistants practice medicine on teams with doctors and other health care professionals, providing a wide range of services. They may specialize in certain diseases or fields of medicine depending on their training and experience. plastic surgeon: a surgeon who specializes in changing the way a body part looks or in rebuilding or replacing removed or injured body parts. In reconstruction (rebuilding body parts), the surgeon may use tissue from the patient or some special material with the right consistency to hold a shape or form over time. Also called a plastic and reconstructive (REE-kon-STRUCK-tiv) surgeon. primary care physician: the doctor a person would normally see first when a medical symptom or problem comes up.

A primary care doctor could be a general practitioner, a family practice doctor, a gynecologist, a pediatrician, or an internal medicine doctor (an internist). psychiatric clinical nurse specialist (SY-key-AT-rick KLIN-ih-kull nurs SPESH-uh-list) (CNS): a registered nurse with a master’s degree in psychiatric/mental health nursing who specializes in the mental health of patients. The psychiatric CNS may assess, counsel, or teach patients and/or families. psychiatrist (sy-KY-uh-trist): a medical doctor specializing in the causes, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Psychiatrists provide counseling and can also prescribe medicines or other treatments. psychologist (sy-KOLL-uh-jist): a health professional who has a graduate degree in psychology and training in clinical psychology. This specialist assesses a person’s mental and emotional status and provides testing and counseling services to those who may have an emotional or mental health problem. pulmonologist (PULL-muh-NAHL-uh-jist): a doctor who has specialized experience and knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of lung (pulmonary) conditions and diseases.

radiation oncologist (RAY-dee-A-shun on-KAHL-uh-jist): a doctor who specializes in using radiation to treat cancer. radiation therapist (RAY-dee-A-shun THER-uh-pist): a person with special training to use the equipment that delivers radiation therapy. This expert often helps the patient get into the right position for treatment and then actually gives the treatment. radiation therapy nurse: a registered nurse who is an expert in the radiation therapy care of patients. This nurse may teach the patient about treatment before it starts and help manage any treatment side effects. radiologic technologist (RAY-dee-uh-LAH-jick teck-NAH-luh-jist): a health professional who positions patients for x-rays and other imaging tests, takes the images, and then develops and checks the images for quality. The films taken by the technologist are then sent to a radiologist to be read. radiologist (RAY-dee-AH-luh-jist): a doctor with special training in diagnosing diseases by interpreting (reading) x-rays and other types of imaging studies that make pictures of the inside of the body. registered nurse (RN): a professional nurse who has completed a college program and passed a national examination.

RNs may assess, educate, and treat patients, families, or even communities. They may work in almost any health specialty, and can get more education to qualify for advanced practice such as oncology nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, and others. respiratory therapist (RES-per-uh-TOR-ee THAIR-uh-pist): a professional who works with people who have breathing problems. This can include breathing treatments and managing patients on ventilators (breathing machines). A CRTT or certified respiratory therapy technician may also examine the patient, collect information about lung function, and set up and maintain equipment, such as ventilators. sex therapist: a mental health professional such as a licensed psychiatrist, social worker, clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, or psychologist with special training in counseling people about sexual changes, problems, and communication (for example, after treatment for cancer). It’s common for a sex therapist to work with both sexual partners, rather than just one person. social worker: a health professional with special training in dealing with social, emotional, and environmental problems that may come with illness or disability.

A social worker may help people find community resources and support services, and provide counseling and guidance to help with issues such as insurance coverage, nursing home placement, and emotional distress. speech therapist: a health professional who is specially trained to work with people who have speech and swallowing problems. Speech therapists help people learn skills to communicate and also make sure that patients can safely eat and drink. Also called a speech pathologist (path-AHL-uh-jist). surgeon: a doctor with special training who treats diseases by cutting or removing parts of the body.. surgical oncologist (on-KAHL-uh-jist): a doctor who specializes in using surgery to treat cancer. thoracic (thuh-RAS-ick) surgeon: a doctor who operates on organs in the chest, including the lungs, ribs, the sternum (breast bone), the diaphragm (the muscle that helps breathing), and other associated muscles. The word thoracic refers to the thorax, another name for the chest. urologist (yur-AHL-uh-jist): a doctor who specializes in treating problems in the urinary tract in men and women, and genital organ problems in men.

To learn more More information from your American Cancer Society Here’s more information you might find helpful. You also can order free copies of our documents from our toll-free number, 1-800-227-2345, or read them on our website at . Dealing with a cancer diagnosis Children Diagnosed With Cancer: Understanding the Health Care System (also in Spanish) National organizations and websites* Along with the American Cancer Society, other sources that can give you information and help you find the best cancer treatment for you include: American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Toll-free number: 1-866-ASK-ABMS (1-866-275-2267) Website: Keeps a list of all board-certified physicians and can be contacted to find out if a certain doctor is certified by an approved ABMS Board. Searches for certain types of doctors in your region can be done only on the website. American Medical Association (AMA) Website: Website offers information on specific doctors by name, or search for doctors by specialty and geographic location. (Choose “Doctor Finder” on the AMA home page.) American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)

Question: With which part of the body does a stomatologist specialise?
Answer: The Mouth