Oncology is the field of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and early detection of cancer. Oncologists, in turn, are physicians who treat people with cancer. Cancer has been present through the ages, and is currently the second leading cause of death in the United States.
Fortunately, treatments are improving, and an understanding of cancer on the molecular level has led to improvements in survival as well. We will look at some of the types of oncology professionals, common (and uncommon symptoms), and how it may be diagnosed and treated.
Oncologists There are three primary types of oncologists or physicians who treat people with cancer.
These include
Medical oncologists treat people with medications such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormonal therapy, and immunotherapy.
Surgical oncologists perform surgeries to remove malignant tumors.
Radiation oncologists use radiation to treat cancer.
There are also many subspecialties of oncology.
Some of these include
Pediatric oncologists, treating children with cancer Adolescent and young adult oncology
Gynecologic oncologists, treating tumors such as ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, and uterine cancer Neurooncologists, addressing cancers such as brain cancer and metastases to the brain from other tumors, as well as central or peripheral nervous system side effects of treatment, such as peripheral neuropathy or cognitive dysfunction
Sarcoma specialists Gastrointestinal oncologists, who treat tumors of the colon, GIST tumors, etc.
Psych oncologists, addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of living with cancer.