Oncologist vs. Oncosurgeon: Do You Need Both During Cancer Treatment?
Facing a cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event. It brings numerous questions, one of the most common being, “Who are the right cancer specialists for my care?” If you’re researching cancer care, you’ve likely come across terms such as oncologist and oncosurgeon. Understanding these roles is crucial to making informed decisions about your treatment journey. Many patients in Pune and beyond understandably feel uncertain: Should they consult an oncologist, an oncosurgeon, or both?
At Galaxy Care Hospital, we understand your concerns. Let’s break down these roles, clarify their differences, and explain why both specialists are often vital partners in a successful cancer treatment plan. Let’s begin.
Who is an Oncologist?
An oncologist is a medical doctor specially trained in diagnosing and treating cancer. The field of oncology is broad, and oncologists play a pivotal role from the moment of diagnosis through to treatment, follow-up, and survivorship care.
Types of Oncologists:
- Medical Oncologist: Focuses on treatment with medicines such as chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The medical oncologist designs a treatment plan and manages side effects, adjusting therapy as needed throughout the journey.
- Radiation Oncologist: Specializes in treating cancer with radiation. They are experts in using advanced technologies to target tumors with high precision, aiming to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.
- Surgical Oncologist: These are often called oncosurgeons (more on that below) and are responsible for removing tumors via surgery.
In your treatment journey, an oncologist is often the first specialist you will consult. They will assess your diagnosis, order necessary tests, and coordinate with other experts to determine the best combination of therapies tailored to your unique needs. Their role is not only to treat but also to guide, support, and educate patients and their families throughout the process.
CLICK HERE to check out the top questions to ask your oncologist.
Who is an Oncosurgeon?
An oncosurgeon, or surgical oncologist, is a doctor with advanced training in the surgical treatment of cancer. Surgery can be a critical part of cancer care, either to remove the primary tumor, obtain a biopsy for diagnosis, or address complications caused by cancer.
When is surgery important?
- Early-stage cancers often require surgery to remove the tumor entirely and potentially cure the disease.
- In some advanced cancers, surgery may help relieve symptoms or improve quality of life.
- Modern oncosurgery also includes minimally invasive techniques (such as laparoscopy or robotic surgery), which result in smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery.
At leading centers like Galaxy Care Hospital, our highly-skilled oncosurgeons works closely with oncologists in Pune to optimize each surgical intervention and enhance outcomes.
Oncologist vs. Oncosurgeon – What’s the Difference?
Patients often wonder: Is there an overlap between these professionals, or do they play separate roles? Here’s how they differ and complement each other:
Do You Need Both During Cancer Treatment?
Absolutely, and here’s why: Cancer care is rarely a “one-specialist” journey.
- Multi-disciplinary approach: Most cases require input from multiple experts to ensure the best outcome. The oncologist will assess if and when surgery is needed and collaborate with the oncosurgeon to plan the procedure.
- Personalized planning: Each patient’s case is unique, requiring individualized treatment strategies that may include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and more.
- Seamless transition of care: After surgery, the oncosurgeon often hands off ongoing management to the oncologist, who monitors for recurrence and manages further therapies if needed.
This team-based model is especially well-established at centers like Galaxy Care Hospital, where interdisciplinary teams meet regularly to discuss each patient’s case. If you are seeing an oncologist in Pune, rest assured that they will connect you with an oncosurgeon when surgery is warranted, ensuring both aspects of care are handled expertly.
Cancer treatment is a journey best taken with a trusted, expert team. Both oncologists and oncosurgeons play distinct yet inseparable roles in your care, whether you are starting with diagnosis, undergoing surgery, or navigating recovery. Understanding these roles helps you feel empowered, make informed choices, and receive the best treatment possible.
Consult Dr. Shailesh Puntambekar- Top Oncologist in Pune
At the heart of our excellence is Dr. Shailesh Puntambekar, widely recognized as one of the best oncologist and oncosurgeon in Pune, India and worldwide. He specializes in minimally invasive cancer surgeries and prioritizes patient-centric, compassionate care. He is a pioneer in robotic and laparoscopic cancer surgeries in India, having performed some of the most complex procedures with remarkable outcomes.
Dr. Shailesh Puntambekar has earned national and international acclaim for advancing these cutting-edge techniques, and Galaxy Care Hospital was among the first centers in the region to offer robotic cancer surgery under his leadership. If you are seeking an experienced, skilled, and reassuring oncologist in Pune, we invite you to consult Dr. Shailesh Puntambekar at Galaxy Care Hospital. Our team is here to provide you with expert opinions, tailored treatment plans, and holistic cancer care every step of the way.
Take the next step toward hope and healing—reach out to Galaxy Care Hospital for an appointment today.
