Gynecology & Obstetrics

Oncology is the study of cancer. An oncologist is a doctor who treats cancer and provides medical care for a person diagnosed with cancer. The field of oncology has three major areas: medical, surgical, and radiation. A medical oncologist treats cancer using chemotherapy or other medications, such as targeted therapy or immunotherapy. A surgical oncologist removes the tumor and nearby tissue during surgery. He or she also performs certain types of biopsies to help diagnose cancer. A radiation oncologist treats cancer using radiation therapy. Other types of oncologists include: A gynecologic oncologist treats gynecologic cancers, such as uterine, ovarian, and cervical cancers. A pediatric oncologist treats cancer in children. Some types of cancer occur most often in children and teenagers. This includes certain brain tumors, leukemia, osteosarcoma, and Ewing’s sarcoma. Types of cancer more common in children sometimes also occur in adults. In these situations, an adult may decide to work with a pediatric oncologist. A hematologist-oncologist diagnoses and treats blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.

Effects of Drugs on Pregnancy

Some medications can adversely affect a fetus, but in some cases the benefits outweigh the risks. Diabetes mellitus during pregnancy may need intensive therapy with insulin to prevent complications to mother and baby. Pain management for the mother is an important area where an evaluation of the benefits and risks is needed. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen are probably safe for use for a short period of time, 48–72 hours, once the mother has reached the second trimester. If taking aspirin for pain management the mother should not take a dose higher than 100 mg.