Oncology is a medical specialty that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing cancer. Given the increasing prevalence of cancer worldwide, understanding oncology is essential for patients, caregivers, and the general public. This specialty encompasses various disciplines and treatments, from detection and non-invasive techniques to long-term and advanced therapeutic techniques.
Many have heard of cancer, but not many have a firm understanding of what the disease is. The National Cancer Institute, or NCI, characterizes cancer as the uncontrollable growth and spread of cancer cells throughout the body. The expansion of these cells can invade surrounding structures, a process oncologists call metastasis.
Unlike normal cells, which follow a cycle of growth, division, and death, cancer cells continue to grow and divide without the normal checks and balances. This unchecked growth can form tumors, disrupt bodily functions, and pose serious health risks across other bodily systems. The causes of cancer are multifaceted and can range from genetic mutations to environmental factors like smoking or prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals.
Oncology seeks to combat this abnormal cell behavior through various medical interventions, research, and clinical care. With over 100 types of cancer that can occur in almost any part of the body, a separate medical branch dedicated to the disease needed to be created. Oncologists are doctors who specialize in the care and treatment of patients with cancer. The field of oncology is divided into several subspecialties based on the type of treatment a patient needs:
Oncologists collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including pathologists, radiologists, nurses, and social workers, to ensure comprehensive cancer care.
Given the complexity of cancer, a multidisciplinary approach is often necessary to ensure patients' best possible outcomes. Therefore, cancer treatment is highly individualized, depending on factors such as the type of cancer, its stage, and the patient's overall health. Some of the most common cancer treatments include:
Surgery remains one of the most common treatments for cancer, especially before the metastasis stage. In surgical oncology, the goal is to remove as much cancerous tissue as possible, including a margin of healthy tissue, to ensure all cancer cells are excised.
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to destroy rapidly dividing cancer cells. It can be administered orally or intravenously and may be given in cycles to allow the body to recover between treatments. While chemotherapy is highly effective in killing cancer cells, it can also affect healthy cells, leading to side effects such as nausea, hair loss, and fatigue. Medical oncologists tailor chemotherapy regimens to target specific cancers, often using a combination of drugs to enhance effectiveness.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. In many cases, radiation is a primary treatment for localized cancers, such as head and neck cancers or early-stage breast cancer. Radiation oncologists carefully plan each session to ensure the radiation is focused on the cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Recent advances in oncology have led to the development of targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Targeted therapy involves using drugs designed to attack specific molecules in cancer growth, limiting the damage to normal cells. Immunotherapy, on the other hand, boosts the patient's immune system to recognize and fight cancer cells. These therapies are particularly promising for cancers resistant to traditional treatments like chemotherapy.
Hormone therapy can treat hormone-sensitive cancers like breast and prostate cancer. By blocking or lowering hormone levels in the body, this therapy can slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. It can work alongside other treatments, especially in cases where surgery or radiation is not an option.
Oncology is a complex and evolving field, offering numerous treatment options tailored to individual patient needs. From non-invasive to surgical interventions, oncology aims to provide the best possible care for patients during treatment and help them enter remission. If you have more questions surrounding this medical field or wish to schedule a consultation, contact our Marlton office.
Request an appointment here: https://lindenbergcancer.com or call Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center at (856) 475-0876 for an appointment in our Marlton office.
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