Oncology, which is a very wide-ranging field, is, in the simplest terms, a department that deals with the investigation and elimination of tumors that proliferate out of control in the body. It is a word of Latin origin, with oncos meaning swelling and logos meaning science. Generally, this department deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of cancer patients. Scientists dealing with oncology are called oncologists. These physicians conduct research and implement studies related to oncology. Oncologists are interested in cancer and cancer derivatives. They also deal with surgical operations, including the formation, structure, cause, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. There are also sub-fields of oncology.
What are the Subfields of Oncology?
There are several subfields of oncology, including several subfields. These include gynecological oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, medical oncology and pediatric oncology. Gynecologic oncology, one of the subfields of oncology, deals with the treatment of various cancer diseases such as cervical and uterine cancer that occur in the reproductive organs of women.
Radiation oncology is the field that specializes in radiotherapy. If a biopsy is necessary or surgery is required to remove the tumor, surgical oncology deals with this. Medical oncology is the unit that organizes and administers chemotherapy. If cancer occurs in children, pediatric oncology deals with this issue. The sub-field of oncology required for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease is preferred.
Which Diseases Does Oncology Treat?
It is possible to say that oncology treats various diseases. Leukemia, bone cancer, skin cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, head and neck cancers, intestinal cancer, lymph node cancer, lymphoma, breast cancer, stomach cancer, multiple myeloma, pancreatic cancer, testicular cancer, prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, cervical cancer, biliary tract cancer, uterine cancer and gallbladder cancer are among the diseases treated by oncology.
Breast cancer, which is most common in women today, is also one of the diseases treated by oncology, and people can recognize the symptoms themselves. A mass up to 1 cm in size can be detected by women when palpated. The mass may appear hard, irregular and lumpy. People can also notice it. It can most commonly spread to the hip, spine bones, lung and liver.
The most common type of cancer in men is prostate cancer. The exact cause is not known. The incidence is high. After skin cancer, it is the most common type of cancer. Uterine cancer in women also falls within the field of oncology. Treatment can be started after diagnosis. It is necessary to pay attention to the symptoms. Surgery can be performed. Kidney cancer is a cancer that is more common in smokers than non-smokers. It can be treated with various methods. Early diagnosis is important. Treatment can be performed after diagnosis.