Oncology is the branch of medicine that deals with the study
and treatment of cancer. Oncology is the study of the physical, chemical and
biological properties of cancer. Cancer occurs in many of the body’s systems,
so there are specialized doctors for each type of cancer. Oncology involves
research, causes and possible treatments for cancer. Research has proved that
early detection is the best way to deal with cancer. Oncology is also
concerned with the follow-up of cancer patients and palliative care of cancer
patients.
General diagnostic methods used in oncology are biopsy, tumor
markers, methods of nuclear medicine and other radiological techniques.
Oncology includes different branches of studies and treatment techniques.
Radiation oncology is the diagnosis and treatment of cancer by means of
various radiation procedures. The radiation procedures include X-rays, CT
scans, MRI scanning, mammography and ultrasound. Surgical oncology deals with
the surgical management of cancer. It includes ablative and palliative
surgical approaches to cancer treatment.
The branch of medicine concerned with the direct and indirect
effect of tumors on the nervous system is called neuro-oncology. Psychosocial
oncology is the study of social, psychological, emotional, spiritual and
functional aspects of cancer. Geriatric oncology deals with the study of
cancer in old age people. Other branches of oncology include dental oncology,
dermatologic oncology and orthopedic oncology.
Doctors specializing in
oncology are known as oncologists. There are specialized doctors in
chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments. Surgical oncologists are
surgeons specialized in tumor removal. Medical oncologists are specialists in
the medicines available to treat cancer. Radiation oncologists are specialized
in the treatment of cancer with radiotherapy. Oncology treatment involves
physiotherapy, counseling and clinical genetics.
