The hematologist is the doctor who specializes in blood diseases. It is responsible for diagnosing and treating blood disorders such as anemia, leukemia, lymphoma, hemophilia, and thrombosis. It uses laboratory tests and other diagnostic methods to evaluate the composition and function of the blood, as well as the health of the bone marrow and lymph nodes. It is advisable to see a hematologist if symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, abnormal bleeding, frequent bruising, recurrent infections or abnormal blood test results occur.
A pathologist is a doctor who specializes in examining bodies and their tissues to diagnose diseases by microscopically observing samples of tissue, cells, and body fluids. This professional works in clinical laboratories and performs analyzes to identify the cause of diseases, evaluate the severity of a condition, and determine appropriate treatment. Additionally, the pathologist may also perform autopsies to determine the cause of death in cases of sudden or suspicious death. His work is fundamental in the process of diagnosing and treating diseases, helping doctors make informed decisions about patients' medical care.
A radiation therapist is a specialist in performing radiation therapy, a treatment that involves using high-energy x-rays or other forms of radiation to destroy or damage cancer cells and stop their growth. This professional works closely with a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, radiologists, medical physicists and other specialists to plan and administer radiation therapy treatment safely and effectively for each patient. The radiation therapist uses diagnostic imaging, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to outline the area to be treated and calculate the radiation dose needed to kill cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. In addition to administering radiation therapy, the radiation therapist also closely monitors the patient's response to treatment, adjusting the dose and duration as necessary to optimize results. It is advisable to see a radiation therapist if you have been diagnosed with cancer and radiation therapy is considered part of the treatment plan, to receive a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment that addresses the specific needs of each patient.