Oncology: Frequently Asked Questions
Oncology is the study and treatment of cancer and tumors. An oncologist is a physician who diagnoses and treats cancer patients. The oncologist sometimes uses chemotherapy, and consults with other physicians to coordinate other methods of cancer treatments for a patient. Cancer patients need to take in to account the likelihood of a cure, or of prolonging life when cure is not possible, the effect of treatment on their symptoms, and the side effects of the treatment. People who are candidates for radiation therapy or anti-cancer drugs need to understand the risks involved with treatment. An oncologist can help to counsel a patient on treatment options and what to expect.
Oncologists may treat any of the following conditions...
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Head Cancer
- Lymphoma
- Malignancy
- Melanoma
- Neck Cancer
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Oral Cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Skin cancer
- Spinal Cord Tumors
- Thyroid cancer
Once properly diagnosed, practitioners can perform numerous procedures on patients including Brachytherapy, breast reconstruction, breast surgery, CABG, Chemotherapy, Colonoscopy, cryosurgery, Cryotherapy, mastectomy, surgery, radiotherapy, adjuvant therapy, Bone marrow transplantation (BMT), External Beam Radiotherapy, Hormone manipulation, immunotherapies, and monoclonal antibody treatments.
To diagnose patients with possible illnesses and diseases, oncologists will often perform one of many tests including biopsy, Beta- HCG, CT scanning, MRI scanning, Computed Axial Tomography (CT or CAT Scan), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), ultrasound, X-rays, Blood tests, CA 125, CEA, endoscopy, NSE, Beta HCG, Positron emission tomography, Scintigraphy, Tumor markers, Alpha fetoprotein, and PSA.