Oncology is the study of tumors and cancer. A close examination of their causes, development, diagnosis, and treatment is performed within this field of science. An oncologist dissects tumors, and studies their structure and the ways in which they form. Cancer is experimented on to develop new treatments and cures. These scientists must study every aspect of these diseases in order to understand why they exist. Whenever you hear about someone finding a new and improved treatment for cancer, some form of oncology was definitely involved.
The main focus of oncology, abnormal growths of cells, can result in tumors or cancer. Essentially, the term cancer refers to a malignant (or dangerous) tumor. A benign tumor can usually be removed without the fear of it spreading. Cancerous tumors, however, do not stay in one place. They invade surrounding tissues and move to tissues farther away. Cancer usually gets its name from wherever the primary tumor was discovered. For example, if cancer found in the breast spreads to other areas of the body, it will still be called breast cancer. Even if the cancer has spread to other areas, oncologists will do their best to prevent or minimize further damage.
The Three Areas of Oncology
The science of oncology involves so many different aspects that one doctor cannot study everything. There are three main areas of oncology that a doctor can choose from as his or her particular area of practice. These areas are radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, and surgical oncologist.
Radiation Oncologist
A radiation oncologist is knowledgeable of many aspects of cancer. Formally known as a radiotherapist, this doctor of oncology does not actually perform surgery, but knows how it should be performed. He or she is also well informed on the treatment of cancer, including the use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Medical Oncologist
Since the radiation oncologist does not actually perform any procedures, he or she must collaborate with a medical oncologist about any treatment procedures. Once known as a chemotherapist, this doctor actually performs the chemotherapy treatments on patients. He or she knows how effective surgery or radiotherapy will be on each type of cancer.
Surgical Oncologist
The last group of doctors is the surgical oncologists. They have been trained specifically to remove benign tumors and malignant cancers. They know exactly how to perform surgical procedures dealing with oncology, so they do not perform any other types of surgery. A surgical oncologist may work with a medical oncologist to determine the best methods for cancer removal.
Every day, doctors in the field of oncology research and experiment with different techniques for the better removal of cancer. One hot topic in cancer treatment is the use of stem cells, particularly the use of cord blood, where the blood in a baby’s umbilical cord is saved and placed in a blood bank for future medical use. Contained within this blood are stem cells, which help produce new blood cells. Many anticancer drugs can interrupt the body’s production of blood and these new blood cells can help get things back on track.
There are several other theoretical treatments for cancer but to date, no conclusive cure has been found. Doctors of oncology are determined to change that fact and want to bring an end to the killer known as cancer.
By Tamara C. Jude