Scribd
Upload
3 views3 pages

Oncology

Oncology is the medical field focused on cancer study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, with oncologists specializing in cancer care. Key concepts include neoplasms, carcinogenesis, and types of cancer such as carcinomas and leukemias, alongside risk factors like genetics and lifestyle. Treatment modalities range from surgery and chemotherapy to immunotherapy and palliative care, emphasizing the importance of early detection and equitable access to care.

Uploaded by

aureusjasmine
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
3 views3 pages

Oncology

Oncology is the medical field focused on cancer study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, with oncologists specializing in cancer care. Key concepts include neoplasms, carcinogenesis, and types of cancer such as carcinomas and leukemias, alongside risk factors like genetics and lifestyle. Treatment modalities range from surgery and chemotherapy to immunotherapy and palliative care, emphasizing the importance of early detection and equitable access to care.

Uploaded by

aureusjasmine
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

ONCOLOGY

Definition & Scope


 Oncology: Branch of medicine dealing with the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
of cancer.
 Cancer: Group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth, invasion of surrounding
tissues, and potential spread (metastasis).
 Oncologist: Medical professional specializing in cancer care.

Key Concepts
 Neoplasm: Abnormal tissue growth.

o Benign tumors: Non-cancerous, localized, slow-growing.


o Malignant tumors: Cancerous, invasive, capable of metastasis.

 Carcinogenesis: Process of cancer development.


o Initiation → Promotion → Progression.
 Metastasis: Spread of cancer cells to distant organs via blood or lymph.
 Differentiation: Degree to which tumor cells resemble normal cells.

o Well-differentiated = less aggressive.


o Poorly differentiated (anaplastic) = more aggressive.

Types of Cancer
 Carcinomas: Cancer of epithelial cells (e.g., breast, lung, colon).
 Sarcomas: Cancer of connective tissue (bone, muscle).
 Leukemias: Cancer of blood-forming tissues.
 Lymphomas: Cancer of lymphatic system.
 Melanomas: Cancer of pigment-producing cells.

Risk Factors
 Genetic: Family history, inherited mutations (e.g., BRCA1/2).
 Environmental: Radiation, carcinogens, pollution.
 Lifestyle: Smoking, alcohol, poor diet, obesity.
 Biological: Chronic infections (HPV, Hepatitis B/C, EBV).
Diagnosis
 Screening tests: Pap smear, mammography, colonoscopy.
 Biopsy: Gold standard for diagnosis.
 Imaging: CT, MRI, PET scans.
 Laboratory tests: Tumor markers (PSA, CA-125, AFP).

Treatment Modalities
 Surgery: Removal of tumor.
 Radiotherapy: Use of ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells.
 Chemotherapy: Cytotoxic drugs targeting rapidly dividing cells.
 Immunotherapy: Boosting immune system (checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies).
 Targeted therapy: Drugs aimed at specific molecular pathways (e.g., tyrosine kinase
inhibitors).
 Hormonal therapy: For hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, prostate).
 Palliative care: Symptom management, quality of life improvement.

Nursing & Supportive Care


 Symptom management: Pain, fatigue, nausea, alopecia.
 Psychosocial support: Counseling, patient education.
 Monitoring: Side effects of therapy, infection prevention.
 Rehabilitation: Physical therapy, nutritional support.

Quick Comparison Table


Aspect Benign Tumor Malignant Tumor
Growth rate Slow Rapid
Invasion Localized Invades surrounding tissue
Metastasis None Common
Differentiation Well-differentiated Poorly differentiated
Prognosis Usually favorable Often poor if untreated

Ethical & Public Health Considerations


 Screening programs: Early detection saves lives.
 Access to care: Equity in cancer treatment.
 End-of-life care: Ethical issues in palliative and hospice care.
 Prevention: Lifestyle modification, vaccination (HPV, Hepatitis B).

You might also like