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What is Oncology?

Oncology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer. It involves the study of cancer, including its causes, development, and the biological processes behind it. Oncologists are specialized doctors who treat cancer patients using various approaches, including medical, surgical, and radiation therapies.

There are several subfields within oncology:

1. Medical Oncology: Involves the use of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy to treat cancer. Medical oncologists manage the overall care of cancer patients and oversee treatments like chemotherapy or biological therapies.

2. Surgical Oncology: Focuses on the surgical removal of tumors or cancerous tissues. Surgical oncologists play a key role in diagnosing cancer, performing biopsies, and removing cancers or part of cancers from the body.

3. Radiation Oncology: Involves the use of high-energy radiation to target and kill cancer cells. Radiation oncologists are responsible for planning and delivering radiation treatments to patients.

4. Pediatric Oncology: Specializes in diagnosing and treating cancers in children. Pediatric oncologists focus on cancers that are more common in children, such as leukemia or brain tumors.

5. Gynecologic Oncology: Deals with cancers of the female reproductive system, including ovarian, uterine, cervical, and vaginal cancers.

6. Hematology Oncology: Focuses on cancers of the blood, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma

What is the first step?

The first step in cancer care typically begins with diagnosis. Here's how it generally unfolds:

1. Recognizing Symptoms: If someone notices symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, fatigue, pain, changes in the skin, lumps, or bleeding, they may seek medical attention.

2. Consultation with a Healthcare Provider: The patient will visit a doctor, who will take a detailed medical history and conduct a physical examination to assess potential signs of cancer.

3. Diagnostic Testing: To confirm the presence of cancer, a doctor will recommend tests, which may include:

   • Imaging tests (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, etc.) to locate tumors or abnormal growths.

   • Biopsies (removing a small sample of tissue) to analyze it for cancerous cells.

   • Blood tests to check for certain cancer markers or abnormalities in blood cell counts.

   • Endoscopy (using a camera to look inside the body) if cancer is suspected in areas like the digestive system or lungs.

4. Staging the Cancer: If cancer is diagnosed, the next step is to determine its stage, which refers to how far the cancer has spread. This helps doctors decide on the most effective treatment options.

At Apollo Multispeciality Clinic, after the diagnosis and staging, the healthcare team will discuss treatment options based on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient's general health and preferences. The first step is essential because accurate diagnosis and staging ensure the most appropriate treatment plan is developed.