Oncology is one of the important and specialized branches of medical science dedicated to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. This field of medicine not only focuses on finding effective treatment methods but also plays a significant role in prevention and disease management. In this article, we explore the concept of oncology and its vital role in improving patients’ quality of life, while also introducing the different types of cancer specialists and their responsibilities.
What is Oncology?
Oncology is a specialized branch of medicine that deals with the identification, treatment, and prevention of cancer. In this field, various treatments, including surgery, drug therapy, and radiation therapy (radiotherapy), are used to combat cancer. As a complex discipline, oncology requires specific knowledge and skills to provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.
The word “oncology” is derived from the Greek word “onco,” meaning “mass” or “swelling,” and the suffix “-logy,” meaning “study” or “science.” Therefore, oncology can be translated as “the science of understanding and treating cancer” or “cancerology.”
Who is an Oncologist?
An oncologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients with cancer. Using their knowledge and experience, these doctors assess the patient’s condition and determine the best treatment methods. Oncology involves prescribing various treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and modern therapies.
Oncologists are responsible for determining the type of cancer, its stage, and selecting appropriate treatments. They also play a role in managing the side effects of cancer treatment. In fact, oncologists are the physicians who guide the cancer treatment process, but in some cases, other specialists also assist in various stages of treatment and managing cancer-related complications. For example, in the field of cardio-oncology, doctors address and treat cardiac complications caused by cancer and its treatments.
Oncologists typically work in hospitals, treatment centers, and specialized cancer clinics, using advanced diagnostic methods such as blood tests, imaging (CT, MRI), and biopsies to accurately diagnose cancer and assess its stage.
Gynecologic Oncology
Gynecologic oncology is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancers specific to women, including cancers of the uterus, ovaries, and cervix. Specialists in this field first complete their residency in obstetrics and gynecology and then undergo a fellowship in gynecologic oncology. These surgeons and specialists are responsible for complex treatments such as surgeries for gynecologic cancers, and accurate diagnosis and treatment must be performed by physicians specialized in gynecologic oncology.
Responsibilities of Gynecologic Oncologists
Gynecologic oncologists, such as Dr. Nasim Fayzi and Dr. Farzaneh Bagheri, who work at the Shafa Oncology Clinic in Gorgan, have multiple responsibilities at various stages of patient treatment. These responsibilities include:
1. Diagnosing Gynecologic Cancers:
Gynecologic oncologists use advanced diagnostic methods to identify various types of cancers specific to women.
2. Performing Specialized Surgeries:
These physicians perform complex surgeries to remove tumors and cancerous tissues from patients’ bodies. Surgeries such as the removal of uterine and ovarian tumors must be performed by gynecologic oncologists.
3. Providing Counseling and Support:
In addition to treatment, gynecologic oncologists offer psychological and supportive counseling to patients and their families, helping them feel more at ease and confident throughout the treatment process.
4. Participating in Research:
Dr. Nasim Fayzi and Dr. Farzaneh Bagheri play a significant role in improving treatment methods and advancing the field of gynecologic oncology by participating in research projects and clinical trials.
Types of Oncologists
Given the complexities of diagnosing and treating cancer and the need for combined treatment methods, oncology has become a specialized and multifaceted field. Various specialists collaborate to provide effective treatments for patients. In Iran, oncologists are divided into four main categories, each involving skilled and dedicated physicians working on different cancer treatment methods.
1. Surgical Oncology:
These oncologists perform necessary surgeries to remove tumors and treat various types of cancer. Surgical oncology is a vital treatment method essential for many patients.
2. Hematology-Oncology or Medical Oncology:
Physicians in this field focus on treating cancer with medications. They also specialize in treating blood disorders and bone marrow transplantation. These oncologists use chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy to treat cancers.
3. Radiation Oncology or Clinical Oncology:
These specialists play a key role in using radiation therapy (radiotherapy) to treat cancers. In addition to radiotherapy, they also employ drug therapy for patient treatment.
4. Pediatric Oncology (Hemato-Oncology in Children):
Due to the unique characteristics of cancer treatment in children, pediatric oncologists focus on treating childhood cancers and use specific drug and therapeutic methods for children. This field requires specialized expertise because of the physiological differences and children’s responses to drug treatments.
Super-Specialized Oncology
Due to the complexity and diversity of cancers, in addition to the main specialties, there are super-specialized fellowships in surgery that help treat specific types of cancer. Some of these fellowships include:
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Uro-oncology: This branch focuses on the treatment of cancers of the urinary and reproductive systems, such as prostate and bladder cancer, and performs surgeries related to these cancers.
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Ophthalmic Oncology: Doctors in this field treat eye cancers and perform surgeries related to ocular tumors.
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Head and Neck Oncology: These specialists focus on the treatment of tumors in the head and neck, such as laryngeal, thyroid, tongue, and throat cancers.
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Orthopedic Oncology: In this field, doctors treat bone cancers and soft tissue tumors, such as those in the hands and feet, and perform the necessary surgeries.
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Gynecologic Oncology: These specialists focus on diagnosing and treating cancers of the female reproductive system, including cancers of the uterus, ovaries, and cervix. Surgical and pharmaceutical treatments in this area are highly sensitive and specialized.
Pharmacological Cancer Treatment
In all of these fields, pharmacological treatment plays a critical role in improving patient outcomes. Pharmacotherapy includes methods like chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, all of which are very effective in managing cancers.
Oncologist’s Responsibilities
The oncologist is responsible for overseeing and guiding the treatment process throughout the course of the disease. This process involves various stages from diagnosis to post-treatment follow-up. Some key responsibilities of oncologists include:
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Requesting tests and imaging: The oncologist must first order the necessary tests and imaging to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of the cancer. This helps in making more precise decisions regarding the type and stage of the cancer.
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Explaining diagnosis and treatments: One of the most important responsibilities of an oncologist is to explain the diagnosis, type, and stage of cancer to the patient. Additionally, the oncologist should discuss available treatment options with the patient and use the individual’s condition to select the best course of treatment.
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Decision-making regarding treatment: Based on the patient’s condition and the type of cancer, the oncologist should suggest the best treatment method. This decision is usually made within a multidisciplinary team involving specialists from various fields.
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Prescribing appropriate treatments: The oncologist is responsible for prescribing treatments like chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or immunotherapy, and planning any necessary related surgeries.
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Managing symptoms and side effects: These doctors help manage and treat the symptoms and side effects caused by cancer and its treatments, such as nausea, fatigue, and pain.
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Referral to other specialists: If specialized treatments are required, the oncologist refers the patient to other specialists for complementary treatments or specialized consultations.
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Post-treatment follow-up: One of the most important tasks of oncologists is to follow up with the patient after treatment. This helps detect any recurrence of cancer and manage long-term side effects of the disease.
When to Visit an Oncologist
If you experience symptoms or complications that may indicate cancer, it is very important to visit an oncologist. Situations in which you may need to consult this specialist include:
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Cancer Diagnosis: If you or a family member has been diagnosed with cancer, it is essential to be under the care of an oncologist. The oncologist can determine the type and stage of the disease through precise tests and imaging and create an appropriate treatment plan.
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Suspicious Symptoms of Cancer: If you notice unusual changes in your body, such as abnormal bleeding, unexplained lumps, unexplained weight loss, and constant fatigue, it is better to visit an oncologist.
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Referral from Other Doctors: If a general practitioner or another specialist suspects cancer, they may refer you to an oncologist for further testing and more precise evaluation.
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Follow-up After Treatment: If you have previously been treated for cancer, regular visits to the oncologist are important for assessing your condition and detecting any recurrence of the disease.
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Treatment Pathway Determination: After diagnosing cancer, the oncologist will explain the optimal treatment plan and supervise the various stages of treatment.
Consultation and Monitoring After Treatment
Today, cancer is treatable with the help of oncologists, but regular follow-up is essential to prevent recurrence of the disease. The oncologist is responsible for educating the patient about risk factors and actions that can accelerate the return of cancer.
Best Oncology Clinic in Golestan
Shafa Clinic, located in the city of Gorgan, is recognized as one of the best specialized oncology centers in Golestan Province. This clinic plays a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of various cancers, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment. Devices like Tomotherapy and Siemens Artis are among the modern facilities at this center, helping to provide precise and effective services to patients.
At Shafa Clinic, a team of experienced doctors and specialists work diligently to design and implement the best treatment programs for patients, achieving remarkable results in cancer treatment.
Additionally, Shafa Clinic provides free services for some cancer patients to ensure that everyone in the community can benefit from its medical facilities. This clinic combines expertise, advanced equipment, and a safe, professional environment for the care of patients.
Treatment Methods Used by Oncologists
Oncologists employ a variety of techniques and treatment approaches for treating different types of cancer and related diseases. Here are some of the most important treatment methods used by oncologists:
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Surgical Removal of Cancerous Tissue
In this method, a surgeon removes the cancerous tumor from the patient’s body. This method is useful when the cancer is localized in a specific area and is removable. -
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy involves using radiation to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. This method may be used alone or in combination with other treatments. -
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses chemical drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. Chemotherapy can be systemic, affecting the entire body. -
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a modern treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. This method helps stimulate and strengthen the immune system to combat cancer cells. -
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy specifically targets cancer cells and attempts to eliminate them without causing significant damage to healthy tissues. This method is often used to treat specific types of cancer. -
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy is used to treat cancers that are hormone-dependent, such as breast and prostate cancer. This treatment works by altering or blocking the effects of hormones. -
Hyperthermia
In this method, heat energy is used to treat cancer. By increasing the temperature in a specific area of the body, cancer cells are destroyed without damaging healthy tissue.
Types of Diseases Treated by Oncologists
Oncologists treat various types of cancers and related diseases, including:
- Common cancers: such as breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, and liver cancer.
- Blood diseases: including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
- Gland-specific diseases: such as prostate cancer and ovarian cancer.
Common Tests for Diagnosing Cancer by Oncologists
Oncologists use different types of tests and imaging techniques to diagnose cancer and determine its stage, including:
- CBC (Complete Blood Count): Used to check blood signs and markers for specific cancers.
- Biopsy: A sample of suspicious tissue is taken and sent to the laboratory for examination.
- Imaging: Methods such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are used to observe the size and location of tumors.
Specific Terms in Oncology
- Tumor Board: A meeting where a multidisciplinary team of oncologists and other specialists consult together to determine the best treatment plan for a patient.
- Radiotherapist: A specialist who works with radiation therapy to help treat cancer.
These diagnostic and treatment approaches assist oncologists in determining the most appropriate treatment method for each patient.
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