Oncology:
The term oncology deals with cancers and tumors. The word “onco” means bulk, mass, or tumor and “-logy” means study. The out-of-control growth of abnormal cells is known as cancer. Nowadays cancer has become a common thing, millions of people have had cancer or living with cancer.
Oncologist:
An oncologist is a doctor who treats the deadly disease called “cancer”.
There are three major areas in the field of oncology:
- Medical
- surgical and
- radiation
Types of Oncologist:
- Medical oncologist-who treats cancer using chemotherapy or other medications, such as targeted therapy.
- Surgical oncologist-who removes the tumor and nearby tissue during an operation. He or she also performs certain types of biopsies.
- Radiation oncologist-who treats cancer using radiation therapy.
- Gynecologic oncologist – who treats gynecologic cancers such as uterine cancer, cervical cancer etc.
- Pediatric oncologist– who treats cancer in children. Some types of cancer occur in children and teenagers such as brain tumors, leukemia, osteosarcoma, and Ewing’s sarcoma. It sometimes occurs in adults. In such cases, adult decide to work with a pediatric oncologist.
Oncology Diagnostic tools:
Oncology diagnostic tools are biopsy, X-rays, CT scanning, endoscopy, MRI scanning, Scintigraphy, ultrasound, Positron emission tomography, nuclear medicine techniques, Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography, Laboratory tests (blood, urine, etc.), Genetic tests and other radiological techniques etc.
The role of the oncologist:
An oncologist takes care of a patient from the cancer diagnosis throughout the course of the disease. The oncologist’s role are Diagnosing the cancer and Explaining the stage to the patient, Discussing the oncologist’s recommendations and all relevant treatment options, Delivering high-quality and compassionate care to the patient, Helping the patient manage cancer-related pain and treatment side effects.
A person with cancer is treated and taken care by a team of oncologists who are specialized in different areas of oncology. Other medical professionals also get involved in a patient’s care:
A pathologist who specializes in reading laboratory tests, checking cells, tissues, and organs to diagnose disease of the patient, An oncology nurse, A diagnostic radiologist who specializes in performing and reading imaging tests such as x-rays, ultrasound tests to diagnose disease of the patient, An oncology social worker.