What is Oncology?
Oncology is a medical speciality that focuses on cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management. Cancer is a group of disorders defined by uncontrolled cell growth. Oncologists are doctors who specialise in treating cancer patients. They collaborate with other healthcare providers, including radiologists, pathologists, and surgeons, to create customised treatment programmes that may comprise surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy. Surgical oncologists focus on the surgical management of cancer, including biopsies, tumour removal, and reconstructive surgery. Finally, radiation oncologists use radiation therapy to treat cancer alone or in combination with other treatments.
Oncology is constantly evolving due to new treatments and technological advancement. Oncologists also communicate with patients and their families to provide support and education throughout the cancer treatment process, helping them to make informed decisions about their care and providing emotional support as they navigate this challenging time. Overall, oncology is a vital speciality that plays a critical role in the fight against cancer.
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Types of Oncology
Oncology is the medical speciality concerned with the research and treatment of cancer. The most common types in oncology are:
- Medical Oncology: Medical oncology deals with the treatment of cancer using chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormonal therapy. Medical oncologists work closely with other specialists, such as surgeons and radiation oncologists, to develop comprehensive treatment plans.
- Surgical Oncology: It focuses on the surgical treatment of cancer. Surgical oncologists perform biopsies, remove tumours, and reconstruct tissues after cancer surgery. They also work closely with medical and radiation oncologists to develop treatment plans.
- Radiation Oncology: Radiation oncology deals with cancer treatment using radiation therapy. Radiation oncologists work with other specialists to develop treatment plans that minimize damage to healthy tissues while targeting cancer cells.
- Pediatric Oncology: Pediatric oncology deals with diagnosing and treating cancer in children. Pediatric oncologists specialize in caring for children with cancer and work closely with other specialists to provide age-appropriate treatment.
- Hematology Oncology: Hematology oncology deals with blood-related cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Haematologists and oncologists work together to diagnose and treat these types of cancer.
- Gynecologic Oncology: Gynecologic oncology deals with diagnosing and treating cancer in the female reproductive system. Gynecologic oncologists care for women with gynecologic cancer and work closely with other specialists to develop comprehensive treatment plans.
- Neuro-Oncology: Neuro-oncology deals with diagnosing and treating cancers that affect the brain and nervous system. Neuro-oncologists work closely with other specialists to develop treatment plans that minimise damage to healthy brain tissue while targeting cancer cells.
Overall, oncology is a multidisciplinary field that requires a collaborative approach to diagnose, treat, and research cancer. In addition, the different types of oncology provide specialized expertise to ensure that patients receive the most effective and comprehensive care possible
Symptoms of Cancer
Here are some common symptoms of cancer:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue or weakness
- Pain, especially if it persists and is severe
- Skin changes, such as a new mole or a lesion that does not heal
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits, including blood in the stool or urine
- Persistent coughing or hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing or feeling like food is getting stuck in the throat
- Swelling or lumps in the breast, testicle, or other parts of the body
- Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating
- Chronic headaches or migraines
It's important to remember that these symptoms might be caused by various conditions other than cancer. Suppose a person is suffering from any of these symptoms. It would help to talk to your doctor to identify the underlying cause and get appropriate treatment.
Functions and Importance of Various Body Parts Treated Under Oncology
Cancer is a complex disease that can affect any part of the body, and the body parts that are commonly treated under oncology include the following:
- Skin: Our skin is the largest organ of our body and serves as the primary barrier against harmful external elements. Skin cancer is a prevalent form of cancer caused by exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning equipment. Skin cancer treatment involves removing cancerous cells through surgical procedures, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, which oncologists typically manage.
- Breast: It is the second most common type among women and can also affect men. Oncologists treat breast cancer by removing the tumour through surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. They may also use hormone therapy to prevent cancer from coming back.
- Prostate: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men and typically affects older men. Oncologists treat prostate cancer by removing the prostate gland through surgery or using radiation or hormone therapy to destroy the cancerous cells.
- Lung: Lung cancer is a form of cancer that originates in the lungs and is frequently attributed to smoking or being exposed to secondhand smoke. Oncologists treat lung cancer by removing the tumour through surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. They may also use targeted therapy or immunotherapy to treat cancer.
- Colon and rectum: Colorectal cancer is a form of cancer that starts in the rectum or colon. Oncologists treat colorectal cancer by removing the tumour through surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. They may also use immunotherapy to treat cancer.
- Blood: Blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, affect the blood and the immune system. Oncologists treat blood cancers using chemotherapy, radiation therapy or stem cell transplants.
- Brain: Brain cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the brain or the spinal cord. Oncologists treat brain cancer using surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy.
- Ovaries: Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the ovaries. Oncologists treat ovarian cancer by removing the ovaries and fallopian tubes through surgery, followed by chemotherapy.
Treatments Available
Here are some common treatments performed in oncology and a brief explanation of each:
- Surgery: The primary treatment for many types of cancer involves removing the cancerous tumor or surrounding tissue. The goal is to remove as much cancer as possible while preserving healthy tissue and organs.
- Chemotherapy: In this, drugs are used to kill cancer cells throughout the body. The drugs are usually given intravenously or orally, targeting rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy is a medical treatment that utilizes high-energy radiation to eliminate cancerous cells. It can be administered externally, using a machine outside the body, or internally, by implanting radioactive material near the affected area.
- Immunotherapy: This treatment helps the body's immune system fight cancer cells. It either boosts the immune system's ability to fight cancer cells or inhibits the signals that help cancer cells avoid detection by the immune system.
- Targeted therapy: This treatment targets specific molecules or genes involved in cancer cell growth and spread. The drugs used in targeted therapy are designed to block the signals that promote cancer cell growth and survival.
- Hormone therapy: Is used for hormone-sensitive cancers like breast or prostate cancer. It works by blocking the hormones that promote cancer cell growth.
- Stem cell transplant: Involves replacing diseased or damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells. It's usually done after high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy to restore the body's ability to produce healthy blood cells.
- Palliative care aims: To alleviate symptoms and enhance living standards for individuals with advanced or end-stage cancer. It may involve pain management, counseling, and other supportive therapies.
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Diagnostic Tests
Diagnostic tests are critical in the diagnosis and management of cancer. Some of the most common diagnostic tests performed in oncology include:
- Biopsy: This involves the removal of a small piece of tissue from the affected area for examination under a microscope. It helps to determine the type of cancer and its stage.
- Imaging tests: These include X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans. These tests help locate the tumor, determine its size, and identify if it has spread to other body parts.
- Blood tests: These tests help to determine if there are any cancer markers or proteins in the blood. Some types of cancer can produce specific markers that can be detected in the blood.
- Endoscopy: This test involves using a thin, flexible tube with a camera at the end to examine the inside of the body. It can help to identify tumours in the digestive tract, lungs, or bladder.
- Molecular testing: This involves the analysis of genetic material from the tumor to determine the specific genetic changes driving its growth. This can help to identify targeted treatments that may be more effective.
- Genetic testing: Genetic testing can help identify inherited gene mutations that increase the risk of certain types of cancers or detect specific mutations in cancer cells that may help guide treatment options.
- Immunohistochemistry: Immunohistochemistry is a test that uses antibodies to detect specific proteins in cancer cells. This can help determine the type and stage of cancer and guide treatment options.
- Bone marrow biopsy: In this procedure, a small sample of bone marrow is removed for examination under a microscope. It can help to diagnose blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma.
Overall, these tests are important in determining the type and stage of cancer and guiding treatment decisions.
