What is Medical Oncology? What Diseases Does an Oncology Treat?

What is Oncology?

Oncology is the medical specialty responsible for the prevention, diagnosis, staging and treatment of cancer in organs and tissues. The Oncology department stands out as a comprehensive medical discipline that covers the causes of cancer, formation mechanisms, diagnostic processes, treatment methods and prevention strategies. By examining the biological and molecular structure of cancer, it analyzes in depth the mechanisms of uncontrolled proliferation and spread of cells. Through analysis, it determines the relationship between cancer and genetic and environmental factors, explains how different types develop, and develops the most effective treatment methods according to the unique biological characteristics of each patient.

The oncology department is divided into three main sub-branches: medical oncology, radiation oncology and surgical oncology. Medical oncology prevents or destroys cancer cells from multiplying through drug treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Radiation oncology uses radiotherapy to target cancer cells with high-energy rays, killing them or inhibiting their growth. Surgical oncology, on the other hand, focuses on the surgical removal of cancerous tissues and tumors, aiming to prevent the spread of the disease and improve quality of life.

What is Medical Oncology?

Medical oncology is a specialty that manages the diagnosis, staging, treatment and follow-up of cancer through methods such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies and hormone therapy. Medical oncologists working in the medical oncology department use methods such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies and hormone therapy in the treatment of cancer. They also assess the patient's overall health and personalize the treatment plan based on the patient's needs.

Medical oncology collaborates with other specialties, such as surgery and radiation oncology, to take a multidisciplinary approach and aim to improve the quality of life of cancer patients.

Unlike the cancer (oncology) department, it focuses on drug-based methods in cancer treatment and offers systemic approaches such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies and hormone therapy.

While the oncology department generally focuses on localized treatments such as surgical interventions and radiotherapy, medical oncology plays an important role in controlling the disease by targeting cancer cells that have spread throughout the body, especially in metastatic or advanced-stage cancers. As an integral part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan, medical oncology aims to prolong patients' lives and improve their quality of life.

Fields of Study in the Oncology Department

The oncology department is divided into three areas: medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. These departments can be described as follows:

Medical Oncology

The medical oncology department uses drug treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy to prevent or destroy cancer cells from multiplying.

Radiation oncology

Radiation oncology uses radiotherapy methods to target cancer cells and kill them or inhibit their growth using high-energy rays.

Surgical Oncology

The surgical oncology department focuses on the surgical removal of cancerous tissues and tumors, aiming to prevent the spread of the disease and improve quality of life.

What Diseases Does Oncology Treat?

Medical oncology is the specialty that provides medical treatment for cancer. It manages the treatment process of cancer patients with methods such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapies. They also plan the follow-up, supportive treatment and palliative care processes of patients.

The types of cancer dealt with in the Oncology department are as follows:

• Lung cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Breast cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Colon cancer
• Uterine cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Leukemia
• Kidney cancer
• Skin cancer
• Gallbladder cancers

Medical oncologists working in the oncology department fulfill the following responsibilities:

• Playing a role in cancer diagnosis
• Planning treatment
• Preparing the patient for treatment
• Managing the treatment process
• Following up and monitoring
• Providing supportive care

Treatment Options in the Oncology Department

Treatment options in the medical oncology department are personalized based on the type and stage of cancer, and the patient's overall health, and generally include drug-based methods such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and hormone therapy.

While chemotherapy aims to destroy cancer cells, immunotherapy fights cancer by strengthening the immune system. Targeted therapies target specific molecules in cancer cells, providing more specific treatment.

Hormone therapy aims to stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking the effects of hormones in hormone-sensitive cancers. Additionally, improving the quality of life of patients and minimizing treatment-related side effects through palliative care and supportive treatments is also an important part of this department.

Drug therapy may be used to treat active and clinically detected cancer. It can be used as the sole medical oncology treatment to eliminate disease that is not easily detected in early-stage cancers, or as an adjuvant in addition to surgery or radiation therapy. By making personalized planning, the artificial intelligence supported Ethos device can be preferred.

The treatment methods applied for the types of cancer discussed in the medical oncology department are as follows:

• Chemotherapy
• Hormone therapy
• Biological therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy generally refers to the treatment of tumors with chemical preparations. Along with surgery and radiotherapy, chemotherapy is one of the main methods of tumor treatment. It is prescribed according to the tumor type, taking into account the patient's individual characteristics. It targets rapidly dividing cells within the tumor and can interfere with DNA structure or cell division. For some tumor types, chemotherapy is the only possible treatment. Some cancers require the simultaneous or sequential use of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, while others may require chemotherapy sessions before and after surgery.

Chemotherapy is usually administered by injection or infusion, but sometimes in tablet or capsule form. It can be given regularly as an outpatient treatment, or patients may require hospitalization. Depending on the treatment, the frequency of chemotherapy can range from weekly to four weeks. Most treatments last between four and six months.

Hormone Therapy

The body produces different types of hormones to control the function of certain cells. Hormones include estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, insulin, and adrenaline. Some cancers require hormones to grow. Hormone therapy slows or stops cancer cell growth in hormone-sensitive cancers by blocking or eliminating hormones.

Hormone therapy is used to treat various cancers, including breast, endometrial, adrenal, and prostate. Hormone therapy can be taken orally or by injection.

Biological therapy

Biological therapies attempt to destroy cancer cells by indirectly attacking them through the immune system or by directly attacking them. The treatment can be administered by injection, infusion, or tablet. Monoclonal antibodies, angiogenesis inhibitors, and cell growth inhibitors are all examples of biological therapies. Because the drug targets a very specific area, traditional systemic effects, such as a weakened immune system, are avoided.

Immunotherapy

Cancer cells can sometimes evade a person's immune system and remain undetected. Immunotherapy strengthens the body's natural defenses to recognize and fight cancer cells. It includes treatments that target certain types of leukemia and lymphoma.

Targeted Therapy

Molecules such as antibodies, cytokines, and kinase inhibitors are designed to attack weak spots specific to cancer cells compared to the rest of the body. Drugs used in targeted therapy can assist the immune system in destroying the cancer.

Things to know about the Oncology Department

• Care: The Oncology Hospital employs a multidisciplinary team, including medical oncologists and other specialists. This team works collaboratively to provide comprehensive care to cancer patients.
• Diagnosis: The Oncology Department utilizes advanced diagnostic tools and technologies to accurately diagnose the type and stage of cancer. Imaging methods such as CT, MRI, PET scans, and biopsies are utilized.
• Treatment: Treatment is planned according to each patient's specific cancer type and stage. These may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, oncology surgery, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, stem cell transplantation, and palliative care
• Clinical Trials: Through clinical trials, the oncology department can offer patients access to innovative treatments and therapies that are not yet widely available. Participation in clinical trials can provide patients with advanced care opportunities and contribute to advances in cancer research.
• Support: Cancer treatment can be a difficult process for patients and their families, both physically and psychologically. The oncology department may provide counseling to help patients cope with the challenges of cancer treatment. A variety of support services may be provided, including support groups, nutritional guidance, pain management, and symptom control.
• Follow-up: The oncology department continues to monitor patients after treatment to manage potential relapse. Follow-up may include regular checkups, imaging scans, blood tests, and other monitoring procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oncology

What does oncology mean?

Oncology is a medical specialty that attempts to diagnose and prevent cancer, aims to inhibit its growth, and treats cancerous cells using treatment methods such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and smart drugs.

How is an oncology examination performed?

Following the complaints and symptoms, the person comes to the oncology department and firstly, their complaints and the symptoms they are experiencing are listened to. Some tests may be requested after the physical examination by the doctor for later analysis. These tests include diagnostic methods such as blood tests, x-rays, CT scan, MRI, and ultrasound. Additionally, if cancer is suspected, a tissue sample may be taken for examination. This is also known as a biopsy.

Why go to an oncology?

Oncology deals with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cancer. People consult an oncologist when they experience symptoms and complaints related to cancer. Detailed examinations are performed in the oncology department.

What does an oncologist examine?

Oncology means the science of cancer and deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In addition, studies are also conducted to prevent cancer. If a definitive diagnosis of cancer is made, treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy are used.