Patients with certain types of cancer may require assistance from specific specialists, such as:

• Brain cancers:
  
• • Neurosurgeon. A physician who specializes in the surgical treatment of disorders of the nervous system. A neurosurgeon performs surgery such as biopsies and surgical removal of brain tumors.
    
    
  • Neuropathologist. A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and classification of central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) diseases. The neuropathologist uses laboratory tests, such as microscopic examination of tissue and cells, to determine the characteristics of the cancer. Neuropathologists work closely with surgeons and oncologists for the treatment of brain and spinal cord tumors.
    
    
• Breast cancer, women’s reproductive cancers or men’s reproductive cancers:
  
• • Genetic counselor. Some types of cancers, such as breast cancer, may be hereditary. The role of a genetic counselor is to assist patients who are considering genetic testing for themselves and other family members. The counselor can help explain the benefits and risks of the genetic tests and interpret test results for the patient. They can also provide recommendations for the most appropriate screening and preventive measures.
    
    
  • Gynecologist (for women). A physician who specializes in women’s reproductive health care. The gynecologist is often further specialized as a gynecologist oncologist, meaning treatment of women with gynecologic cancers.
    
    
  • Urologist. A physician who specializes in treating male and female urinary tract problems, and issues of the male genital region. Patients with bladder, kidney, kidney, prostate, penile or testicular cancer may see a urologist.
    
    
  • Plastic and reconstructive surgeon. A physician who specializes in the surgical restoration of a patient’s appearance or the reconstruction of injured or removed body parts. Many surgeons specialize in breast reconstruction following a lumpectomy or mastectomy.
    
    
  • Sexual therapist. A mental health professional who counsels patients about sexual communication, problems and changes.
    
    
  • Endocrinologist. A physician who specializes in treating the endocrine system glands. An endocrinologist can help women with hormone related issues, such as early menopause from cancer treatment and hormone replacement therapy options.
    
    
• Children’s cancers:
  
• • Neonatologist. A physician who specializes in the care and treatment of newborn babies (less than six weeks of age).
    
    
  • Pediatrician. A physician who specializes in the care and treatment of children. As with other physicians on the team, the pediatrician is usually specialized in oncology for treatment of children’s cancers.
    
    
• Gastrointestinal cancers (e.g., colorectal cancer, stomach cancer):
  
• • Enterostomal therapist. A medical professional who trains patients to care for surgically created openings in the body (e.g., colostomy) and other wounds.
    
    
  • Gastroenterologist. A physician who specializes in treating diseases of the GI (gastrointestinal) tract.
    
    
• Head and neck, and oral cancers:
  
• • Dentist. A physician who specializes in the care and treatment of the jaws, teeth and mouth including dental problems which may result from cancer therapy.
    
    
  • Oral and maxillofacial surgeon. A physician who specializes in surgery of the jaw, mouth and face.
    
    
  • Otolaryngologist. A physician who specializes in ear, nose and throat diseases.
    
    
• Other cancers:
  
• • Ophthalmologist. A physician who specializes in treating eye diseases, including eye cancers.
    
    
  • Nephrologist. A physician who specializes in kidney diseases, including kidney cancers.
    
    
  • Dermatologist. A physician who specializes in treating diseases of the skin, including skin cancers.