It is a branch of medical science that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer. It includes studies on tumors. Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation and spread of cells. What is oncology?? It investigates the causes, developmental processes, diagnostic methods and treatment options of these cellular abnormalities.
What Does an Oncologist Do? Their Duties
Specialists are doctors who diagnose, treat and monitor cancer diseases. They play a critical role in the management of complex and often life-threatening diseases such as cancer.
Specialists use a variety of tests and biopsies to determine the type and stage of cancer. This process takes into account laboratory results, imaging studies (MRI, CT scans, etc.), and patient history.
After the diagnosis is made, oncology The doctor creates the most appropriate treatment plan for the patient's condition. It includes approaches such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Treatment is usually carried out with a multidisciplinary team. He/she monitors the patient's response throughout the treatment process and evaluates how they respond to the treatment. The management of side effects during treatment is also the responsibility of the specialist.
The specialist provides information to patients and their families about the disease, explains treatment options and provides support. In this process, psychosocial support and palliative care also play an important role. Specialists conduct research on cancer treatments and diagnostic methods. Thus, they contribute to the development of new treatment methods.
Specialists play a life-saving role in the fight against cancer. They constantly work with the most up-to-date information to provide the best possible treatment for their patients.
What is Oncology? Its Role in Cancer Treatment
It is a branch of medical science that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer. This term, derived from the word "onkos", means "mass" or "swelling" in Greek. It generally covers studies on tumors. Cancer is a group of diseases that occur when cells multiply uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body.
Oncology, plays a vital role in cancer treatment. After determining the type and stage of cancer, the specialist creates the most appropriate treatment plan for the patient. Treatment includes chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy and targeted therapies. Since each type of cancer and patient's condition are different, treatment is personalized.
Specialists not only administer treatment, they also closely monitor the treatment process and evaluate the patient's response. They update the treatment plan when necessary. They are also an important part of managing side effects that may occur during cancer treatment.
In addition, it provides services to prevent cancer recurrence and improve patients' quality of life. As a result, it plays a central role in every stage of cancer treatment and ensures that patients receive the best care.
Oncology Treatments: Different Methods According to Cancer Types
Treatments vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, the patient's overall health, and individual characteristics. Due to the complexity of cancer, each patient's treatment plan is individualized and may include many different methods.
Chemotherapy, which aims to stop cells from dividing rapidly, is widely used in many types of cancer. This treatment uses drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth.
Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. It is often used to treat brain, prostate, breast and lung cancers. Radiotherapy may be used to reduce the size of a tumor or to control cancer before surgery.
For some types of cancer, especially in the early stages, surgical removal of the tumor may be the most effective method. Surgery may also be used to prevent the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body.
Immunotherapy aims to strengthen the body's immune system against cancer cells. It can be especially effective in melanoma, kidney cancer, and some lung cancers.
Targeted Therapies work by targeting the growth and division mechanisms of cancer cells. They offer personalized treatment options based on genetic mutations. They are used especially in breast, bowel and lung cancers.
Since each type of cancer and patient's condition is different, experts determine the most appropriate treatment plan. What is oncology??Continuously monitors the patient's treatment process and makes adjustments when necessary. In this way, the effectiveness of the treatment is increased and the quality of life of the patients is improved.