Oncology

Diagram of a mesothelioma tumor

Oncology is the branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. A medical professional who practices oncology is an oncologist. The field of oncology has three major areas: medical, surgical, and radiation.

Types of Oncologists

• Medical Oncologists: These specialists treat cancer using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, and targeted therapy.
• Surgical Oncologists: These surgeons specialize in the removal of tumors and cancerous tissues.
• Radiation Oncologists: These doctors use radiation therapy to treat cancer.

Cancer

Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. Not all tumors are cancerous; benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body.

Tumors

A tumor is a mass of tissue that's formed by an accumulation of abnormal cells. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumors can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops from the thin layer of tissue that covers many of the internal organs (known as the mesothelium). The most common area affected is the lining of the lungs and chest wall. Mesothelioma is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos.

Treatment

The treatment of cancer may involve a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The choice of treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient's overall health and preferences.

• Surgery: Involves the physical removal of the tumor.
• Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
• Radiation Therapy: Uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.

Related Pages

• Cancer
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Surgery
• Mesothelioma