Oncology Explained: Types, Treatments, and When to See a Specialist

What Is Oncology?

Oncology is the branch of medicine focused on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer. The word comes from the Greek “onco” (meaning mass or tumour) and “logy” (study of). This field encompasses both clinical care and research, aiming to understand cancer’s causes and develop targeted therapies. Oncologists are specialists who guide patients through all phases of their cancer journey, including diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow-up. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals to create personalised care plans, using methods like chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and surgery. Oncology also emphasises support for patients’ physical and emotional well-being throughout their treatment.

What Does an Oncologist Do?

An oncologist is a physician who specialises in caring for people with cancer. Their primary responsibilities include:

• Diagnosing cancer through biopsies, imaging tests, and other assessments
• Determining the stage and extent of the disease
• Developing personalized treatment plans, which may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or targeted therapies
• Overseeing the administration of treatments and monitoring patient response
• Managing side effects and providing supportive care
• Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, nurses, and support staff
• Offering guidance and emotional support to patients and families

Oncologists also often participate in clinical research to develop new therapies and improve patient outcomes. Throughout the cancer journey, they offer guidance, support, and expertise to help patients make informed decisions about their care.

When Do I Need an Oncologist?

It's crucial to consult an oncologist if:

• You have been diagnosed with cancer or have concerning symptoms, such as unexplained lumps, persistent pain, abnormal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue, that may indicate cancer.
• Your primary care physician or another specialist recommends an oncology evaluation based on concerning test results or risk factors.
• You have a strong family history of cancer and want to discuss genetic testing or preventive strategies.
• You're seeking a second opinion about a cancer diagnosis or treatment plan.
• You wish to explore advanced treatment options or clinical trials.

Promptly involving an oncologist ensures timely diagnosis, personalised treatment planning, and access to cutting-edge therapies that can significantly improve outcomes.

Role of an Oncologist

An oncologist's role extends far beyond prescribing oncology treatment. They serve as the primary coordinator of a patient's cancer care, working closely with other specialists to provide comprehensive, individualised management. Key aspects of an oncologist's role include:

• Staging cancer to determine its extent and guide treatment decisions
• Designing personalised treatment plans that may combine surgery, medication, radiation, and other therapies
• Monitoring treatment response and adjusting the approach as needed
• Managing side effects and providing supportive care to maintain quality of life
• Coordinating with a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and other healthcare professionals
• Offering emotional support and education to patients and families
• Conducting research to advance cancer prevention, detection, and treatment

Oncologists are dedicated advocates who work tirelessly to provide the best possible care for their patients at every stage.

Types of Oncologists

Oncology is a broad field encompassing several subspecialties, each focusing on specific aspects of cancer care. The main types of oncology include:

1. Medical oncologists: These specialists use chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drugs to treat cancer systemically.
2. Surgical oncologists: These specialists perform biopsies, tumour removal, and other cancer-related surgeries.
3. Radiation oncologists: This subspeciality uses high-energy radiation to shrink tumours and alleviate symptoms.

Other subspecialties include gynaecologic oncology (female reproductive cancers), paediatric oncology (childhood cancers), and haematology-oncology (blood cancers). Each type of oncologist plays a vital role, often collaborating to provide well-rounded care.

Cancer Diagnosis in Oncology

Diagnosing cancer involves several key steps:

• Thorough evaluation of medical history and a physical exam
• Imaging tests like CT, MRI, PET, or ultrasound to visualize suspicious areas
• Biopsy procedures to collect tissue samples for microscopic analysis
• Laboratory tests on blood, urine, or other bodily fluids
• Molecular testing to identify genetic mutations and guide targeted therapies
• Staging assessments to determine the extent of cancer spread

Accurately identifying the type and stage of cancer is essential for selecting the most effective treatments and estimating prognosis. Oncologists use this comprehensive diagnostic information to craft personalised care plans.

What Should We Expect During Our First Visit to an Oncologist?

Your initial oncologist appointment will likely involve:

• An in-depth discussion of your medical history, symptoms, and concerns
• A focused physical exam to evaluate areas of concern
• A review of previous test results and imaging scans
• Ordering additional diagnostic tests, if needed, to clarify the diagnosis
• A thorough explanation of your type and stage of cancer
• An overview of potential treatment options and recommendations
• Ample time for questions and shared decision-making
• Introduction to key members of your oncology care team

This visit lays the foundation for your relationship with the oncologist, who will work closely with you throughout your cancer journey.

Conclusion

Oncology is a critical field of medicine dedicated to preventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer. Oncologists are specialised physicians who provide expert, compassionate care at every stage of the cancer journey. With advancements in oncology treatment and a multidisciplinary approach, cancer outcomes continue to improve, offering hope to patients and families facing this disease.

If you or a loved one are navigating a potential cancer diagnosis, don't hesitate to seek the guidance of an oncologist. Early consultation and intervention can make a significant difference in your treatment options and overall well-being. At Metropolis Healthcare, our team of skilled technicians provides convenient at-home sample collection for diagnostic testing, with results securely accessible online. We're committed to delivering reliable, personalised care to support you in prioritising your health.

FAQs

Does oncology mean cancer?

Yes, oncology specifically refers to the medical field focused on cancer. While oncologists may sometimes treat non-cancerous tumours, their primary focus is on diagnosing and treating cancer.

What diseases are under oncology?

Oncology encompasses all types of cancer, including solid tumours like breast cancer, lung cancer, and colon cancer, as well as blood cancers such as leukaemiav, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.

What are the three types of oncology?

The three main types of oncology are medical oncology (treating cancer with medications), surgical oncology (performing cancer-related surgeries), and radiation oncology (using radiation therapy to treat cancer). Each plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive care.

Can oncology cure cancer?

Many cancers are curable, especially when detected early and treated appropriately with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or other oncology treatments. However, outcomes vary based on cancer type, stage, and individual factors.

Is oncology a surgery?

Oncology itself is not specifically a surgical field. However, surgical oncology is a subspeciality within oncology that focuses on performing cancer-related operations, such as biopsies and tumour removal, as part of a patient's multidisciplinary treatment plan.