Does an Oncologist check blood?

Question

My Dad said his doctor sent him to an Oncologist on a monthly basis to check his blood, esp. potasium levels. I tolf him I thought he should be seeing a Hemotologist, and Oncologists specifically deal with treaments of various cancers.
Anyone have any thoughts?

Answer 1

Hematologists/Oncologists overlap, many specialize in both, most offices have both working together. I was just referred to see a hematologist and when I called and they answered the phone "Cancer Center" it scared me to death (I was fine). One of the nurses I graduated with now works at Children's Hospital on the Hematology/Oncology floor.

However, for your dad to be seeing specifically an oncologist instead of a Hem/Onc or a group where they work together, I would say that his doctor probably either referred him there because either 1) he felt this particular doctor was a fantastic physician and the best person to see your dad or 2) he feels your dad might have cancer or is developing risk factors or symptoms of cancer.

Either way, to answer your question, yes Oncology and Hematology do overlap quite a bit. I think the best thing to do is to ask your dad's doctor why he sent him to this particular doctor and to ask him (with the consent and presence of your father) to discuss his prognosis, treatment and plan of care with you.

Answer 2

Oncologists do blood work analysis because they are looking for a specific type of pattern in the results. If your dads doctor maybe wondering about a pattern he's seeing he'll send him to the specialist most likely to have an answer. Hematologists only deal with specific blood disorders most common type would be sickle cell anemia.

Answer 3

Oncologists are also trained in hematology (at least in the US), so they are certainly qualified to check blood. They are often referred to as hematologist-oncologists. You would have to find out a little bit more about the particular doctor your dad is seeing -- does he/she only treat cancer patients, or are blood diseases part of his/her practice? The doctor's receptionist could probably tell you in general (though you could not get specific information about your dad). Then you will have a better idea whether your dad is telling you the whole story. Whatever it is, I hope it is nothing serious.

Answer 4

Cancers can metastasize, meaning that the cancer cells can invade other body parts by traveling via the bloodstream. It doesn't surprise me at all that an oncologist would check your father's blood. Best of luck to you and your father.

Answer 5

I think you should discuss this with your family. This sounds like a delicate situation and all the Internet is going to do is cause more confusion and anxiety. I'll keep you and your father in my thoughts!

Answer 6

I second the first answer