ONCOLOGY
Oncology is a branch of Medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cancers. An Oncologist is a specialist who treats patients with cancers.
Scope of an Oncologist’s Work
- Diagnosis of cancers through clinical examination, blood tests, scans and selected biopsies of the tumours
- Treatment of cancers using drugs, surgery and radiotherapy
- Long-term follow-up of cancer patients, with special attention to relapse prevention and relapse detection
- Counseling of family members of cancer patients with special attention to emotional support, practical tips for care of cancer patients, and genetic counseling
- Palliative care of patients with terminal cancers
- Cancer screening in well individuals
- Cancer detection in individuals with cancer-related symptoms
Common Types of Cancers
- Breast cancers
- Colon and rectal cancers
- Lung cancers
- Liver, pancreas and gallbladder cancers
- Stomach cancers
- Nasopharyngeal cancers
- Prostate and testicular cancers
- Ovarian cancers
- Uterus and cervix cancers
- Bladder Cancers
- Bone cancers
- Lymphomas
- Leukemias
Common Symptoms of Cancers
- Lumps and bumps
- Abnormal bleeding
- Persistent cough
- Persistent hoarseness of voice
- Change in bowel habits
- Persistent pain
- Indigestion
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of weight
- Unexplained fatigue
- Anaemia
- Jaundice
- Changes in appearance of moles