The term oncology literally means a branch of science that deals with tumors and cancer. The word “onco” means bulk, mass, or tumor while “-logy” means study. Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with the study, treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of cancer. A medical professional who practices oncology is an Oncologist.
What is cancer?
Each of the cells of the body has a tightly regulated system that controls their growth, maturity, reproduction, and eventual death. Cancer begins when cells in a part of the body start to grow out of control. There are many kinds of cancer, but they all start because of the controlled growth of abnormal cells.
How common is cancer?
Today, millions of people are living with cancer. Cancer is the second leading cause of death as per the data published by the WHO. About one-half of all men and one-third of all women will develop cancer in their whole lifetimes.
Role of oncologists:
Medical professionals who practice oncology are called cancer specialists or oncologists. These oncologists have several specific roles. They help in the diagnosis of cancer, help in staging cancer, and grading the aggressive nature of cancer.
They treat cancer using chemotherapy and other medications like targeted therapy or immunotherapy.
In brief, the roles of oncologists are listed below:
-The diagnosis of any cancer in a person (Pathology).
-Therapy (e.g. surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and other modalities).
-Follow-up of cancer patients after successful treatment.
-Palliative care of patients with terminal.
Oncology Diagnostic tools:
-Biopsy or resection.
-Endoscopy.
-x-rays and CT scanning.
-MRI scanning.
-Ultrasound.
-Blood tests.
-Tumor markers.
–Scintigraphy.
–Positron emission tomography (PET).
Apart from diagnosis, these modalities are often used to determine operability i.e., whether it is surgically possible to remove a tumor in its entirety.
Other specialists-
Treatment of cancer may involve other specialists as well. This includes a surgeon, a radiation oncologist or a radiotherapist, etc. the whole of the cancer therapy however is coordinated by the oncologists. For instance, a dermatologist may help an oncologist in treating skin cancer.
Type of Oncology:
1. Radiation oncology- they are specializing in treating cancer with radiation therapy. Here, high-energy x-rays or other particles destroy or eliminate cancerous cells. Radiation oncologists work closely with medical oncologists, surgeons, and other doctors to coordinate the most appropriate care for you. Radiation therapy uses carefully targeted and regulated doses of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.
2. Medical oncology– they are specializing in treating cancer using a medication, including immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and target therapy. Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with the study, treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of cancer. A medical professional who practices oncology is an oncologist.
3. Surgical oncology- they are specializing in treating cancer using surgery. This also includes the removal of the tumor and nearby tissue during an operation. Also, such a doctor can perform specific types of biopsies to help diagnose cancer.
Also, there are medical terms for oncologists who specialize in caring for certain groups of cancers or patients.
–Neuro oncologists: Specialize in treating nervous system, spine, and brain cancers. It can be said that a neurooncology program provides a comprehensive approach to treating patients with brain tumors, spinal cord tumors, metastases to the nervous system, and other neurological conditions related to cancer.
–Pediatric oncologists: specialize in treating cancers in teens and children. Often, certain types of cancer are prominent in such age groups. However, if these types of cancer occur in adults, they can choose to work with a pediatric oncologist.
–Geriatric oncologists: specialize in providing the best care for cancer patients who are 65 and older. Such older patients can have additional challenges. Hence, geriatric oncologists specialize in providing such patients with the best care and comfort.
–Gynecologic oncologists: specialize in treating cancers in reproductive organs like the fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, vulva, vagina, ovaries, and cervix. The doctor will likely ask you about symptoms you’ve had. From there, they usually examine your reproductive organs. A gynecologic oncologist may order follow-up tests or imaging to confirm a diagnosis.
–Thoracic oncologists: specialize in treating cancers that are present inside the chest area, including the esophagus and lungs. Thoracic oncology focuses on intrathoracic cancers—cancers of the chest area—and includes such malignancies as esophageal cancer, small cell and non-small lung cancer, and mesothelioma. A thoracic oncologist may also be involved in research to develop more effective treatments for these diseases.
–Hematologists oncologists: specialize in treating blood cancers like lymphoma, leukemia, and myeloma. Hematologists specialize in diagnosing and treating blood diseases. Oncologists specialize in diagnosing and treating cancers. A hematologist-oncologist specializes in both. You might see a hematologist or oncologist if you have blood cancer or suspected blood cancer.
–Urologic oncologists: specialize in treating cancers present in the genitourinary system like the penis, kidneys, bladder, testicles, and prostate gland. a urologic oncologist is a physician with special training in diagnosing and treating cancers of the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs. These organs include the bladder, kidneys, prostate, penis, and testicles.
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Conditions treated by oncologists:
An oncologist can treat all types of cancer as some specialize in delivering certain therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. Furthermore, some oncologists focus on treating organ-specific cancers like the following:
-Prostate cancer.
-Adrenal cancer.
-Skin cancer.
-Testicular cancer.
-Neck and head cancer.
-Liver cancer.
-Lung cancer.
-Brain cancer.
-Breast cancer.
-Blood cancer.
-Bone cancer.
