What Does Oncology Do?
It is a medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer. Doctors working in this field are called oncologists. It uses many different approaches and methods to treat various types of cancer and improve quality of life.
What Kinds of Diseases Does Oncology Treat?
Oncology is a medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer. Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of cells.
- Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lung tissue and spreads rapidly.
- Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the breast tissue and usually occurs in the milk ducts or lobules.
- Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate gland within the male reproductive system.
- Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or rectum.
- Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, starting in melanocyte cells in the skin.
- Hematological includes cancers in the bone marrow, lymphatic system, or blood cells.
- Gastrointestinal cancers are cancers that begin in the digestive system organs.
- Gynecological cancers are cancers that begin in the female reproductive organs.
- Brain and nervous system tumors are types of cancer that begin in the brain or spinal cord.
- Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the bladder wall.
Oncology diagnoses and treats many types of cancer. The main goal is early diagnosis of cancer, selection of appropriate treatment and improving the quality of life. It is derived from the Greek words “onkos” (mass or tumor) and “logos” (science).
What Does Oncology Do?
Oncology is a medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer. The word origin comes from the Greek words “onkos” (mass or tumor) and “logos” (science). Oncology determines the location and spread of cancer using advanced imaging methods and biopsy and detects cancer markers with blood tests.
Treatment methods include surgical interventions, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapies. Surgery plans and carries out the removal of cancerous tissue. Chemotherapy uses drug therapy to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. Radiotherapy targets cancer cells using high-energy radiation. Hormone therapy regulates hormone levels to treat hormone-sensitive cancers. Immunotherapy enables the immune system to fight cancer cells. Targeted therapy is performed using drugs that target cancer characteristics.
Oncology implements screening programs such as mammography and colonoscopy for early diagnosis, informs the public about cancer risk factors and promotes a healthy lifestyle. Genetic counseling evaluates the risks of individuals with genetic predisposition and takes preventive measures. Pain management helps cancer patients control their pain and manage the side effects of treatment, symptoms such as nausea, fatigue and shortness of breath.
