Oncology and Oncologists
Overview
Oncology, as a scientific field, is defined as the study of tumors and malignancies. Onco denotes bulk, mass, or tumor, and -logy implies study in the word.
First, let's understand what cancer is. Each cell in the body has a complex regulatory system that manages its development, maturation, reproduction, and eventual demise. When cells in a particular area of the body begin to multiply uncontrollably, cancer develops. There are many different types of cancer, but they all begin with the unchecked expansion of aberrant cells.
Cancer is a relatively prevalent illness. Almost all of us have likely experienced a close friend or family member receiving a cancer diagnosis. Although it continues to be one of the leading causes of death in the US, thanks to advancements in detection, treatment, and management, survival rates are getting better. This is a disease that has plagued human beings for a very long time, and continues to do so. Ancient writings, Egyptian human mummies, and preserved bone tumours all include some of the oldest proof of cancer. Mummies have been found to exhibit anomalies that might represent osteosarcoma, a kind of bone cancer. Today, millions of individuals have cancer or are coping with it. In the US, cancer is the second most common cause of death. In the US, one-third of women and around half of all men will acquire cancer at some point in their lives.
Doctors who specialize in oncology are called oncologists, and you will find one at the best cancer hospital in Ahmedabad. Right after receiving a cancer diagnosis, you'll probably schedule an appointment with a medical oncologist. This is typically the initial stage in your battle with cancer. They can assist you in comprehending both your cancer diagnosis and the treatment schedule. In addition, you should see a medical oncologist with any queries you may have.
These oncologists play a variety of distinct functions. They aid in cancer diagnosis, staging, and evaluating the degree of aggressiveness of the disease. A cancer specialist is another name for an oncologist. Medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology are the three main subfields that make up the oncology sector in terms of treatments. Some of the best oncologists in Ahmedabad have treated patients at MediSquare Superspeciality Hospital.
Oncologists assist in the planning of the appropriate therapy for each of their patients based on the grade and stage of the malignancy. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other treatments may be used to achieve this. Other professionals may also be involved in the treatment of cancer. This includes doctors that specialize in radiation oncology, surgeons, radiotherapists, etc. You may also need to see an immunotherapy and targeted therapy specialist if that is recommended for your case. Oncologists, however, are in charge of coordinating the entire cancer treatment.
There is a tonne of research being done in all aspects of oncology, from chemotherapy treatment plans to the best palliative care and pain management strategies. As a result, oncology is a discipline that is constantly evolving. For example, a Breast cancer specialist will conduct both population screening by routine mammography and familial screening by genetic analysis of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Oncology and cancer research involve screening the general population for cancer as well as screening the relatives of patients (in types of cancer that are thought to have a hereditary basis).
