Oncology is a branch of medicine that focuses on cancer. Oncology is divided into several subspecialties, namely medical, radiation, surgical, gynecological, pediatric, and hematology oncology.
In oncology, everything related to cancer will be studied, including how to diagnose, treat, treat, and prevent it. A doctor who studies medical oncology is called an oncologist.
Types of Oncology
Based on the treatment provided, oncology is divided into medical oncology, surgical oncology, and radiation oncology.
Medical oncology is a science of oncology that focuses on the treatment and treatment of cancer using chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
While surgical oncology is a branch of oncology that focuses on treating cancer through surgical procedures, and radiation oncology focuses on treating cancer through radiation therapy.
Apart from treatment, oncology can also be divided into several subspecialties based on the type of cancer being treated, namely pediatric oncology, orthopedic oncology, gynecological oncology, and hematological oncology.
Pediatric oncology studies the treatment of cancer in children, including its treatment and care. While gynecological oncology focuses on cancers that attack the female reproductive system (vaginal, uterine, cervical, or ovarian), and hematological oncology focuses on cancers related to the blood, namely leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
Oncology In Medical Practice
Oncology studies ways to detect, treat, relieve symptoms, and prevent cancer recurrence. To be clear, here is the role of oncology in medical practice:
Help diagnose cancer
An oncologist can diagnose a patient's cancer, along with its severity or stage. To diagnose cancer, there are several examinations that will be carried out by an oncologist, including a physical examination, urine test, blood test, imaging test, and biopsy.
Help treat cancer and relieve its symptoms
Cancer treatment methods commonly applied by oncologists are surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. The treatment method will be selected based on the type, location, and severity of the cancer, as well as the patient's general condition.
Meanwhile, to help relieve the symptoms of cancer suffered by the patient, the oncologist will usually give painkillers. Doctors will also give drugs that can relieve the side effects of cancer therapy, such as nausea relievers.
Help prevent recurrence
The role of an oncologist is not only to diagnose and treat cancer, but also to help prevent the disease from reappearing. Patients will usually be advised to check regularly to anticipate the recurrence of cancer.
Oncology is a field of medical science that focuses on the detection and treatment of cancer. Even so, in treating cancer patients, oncologists will usually also work closely with general practitioners and specialists in other fields.