Oncology

Introduction 

Mutation of healthy cells in the body leads to the production of cancer cells. These cancer cells grow and multiply at a much faster rate. The healthcare practitioners who treat cancer are referred to as oncologists.  

According to the Indian Journal of Medical Research, lung and breast cancers are the most common types of cancer seen among males and females, respectively. Fortis Healthcare is one of the best cancer hospitals in India, specialising in all types of cancer treatments at affordable costs.  

Types of cancer 

Based on the origin, there are different types of cancer. It may arise from various cells, such as:  

• Epithelial cells of skin or body cavities (carcinoma) 
• Blood cells (leukaemia) 
• Connective tissue such as nerves and bone (sarcoma) 

Specialties in oncology 

The various specialities in cancer are as follows: 

• Preventive oncologists – They identify the risk factors and focus more on preventing cancer development. For example, a woman who has a family history of breast cancer should consult with a preventive oncologist for the identification of risk factors. 
• Paediatric oncologists – They specifically treat malignancies in infants and young children. 
• Gynaecologic oncologists – The tumours in women, such as ovarian cancer and cervical cancer, are treated by these specialists. 
• Neurooncologists – Some tumours may lead to side effects in the nervous system and cause neuropathy (nerve pain). Neurooncologists deal with the management of adverse effects in central and peripheral nervous systems and brain tumours. 
• Sarcoma specialists – They help manage soft tissue tumours and tumours in bones. 
• Gastrointestinal oncologists – These specialists treat malignancies in the intestine and colon. 
• Precision oncologists – They analyse the genetic characteristics of a tumour and determine the type of treatment accordingly. 
• Integrative oncologists – During the management of cancer, these specialists help improve the quality of life through yoga and breathing exercises. 
• Uro-oncologists – They assess the risk factors and help manage prostate cancer in males. 
• Rehabilitation specialists – They address people with cancers on how to cope with their emotional and mental states during and after the treatment. 

Other specialists 

Apart from the oncologists, the below-mentioned specialists help diagnose cancers: 

• Radiologists – They identify and interpret the cancer with the help of imaging techniques. 
• Pathologists – They identify the type of tumour by microscopic examination of cancer cells and blood cells. 

Causes 

Cancer occurs due to carcinogens from the environment or hereditary mutation of healthy cells. The body has a built-in immune mechanism that tries to invade cancer cells. However, the cancer cells continue to grow and develop into a mass.  

It eventually results in the formation of tumours and blood vessels to supply them. The cancer cells from the tumour may spread to other parts of the body. They may even try to suppress the activity of immune cells. Moreover, the malignant (cancerous) condition is different from the benign (non-cancerous) condition. 

Risk factors 

There are a few risk factors associated with cancer: 

• Age 
• Environmental exposure to harmful substances such as asbestos 
• Smoking or use of smokeless tobacco 
• Genetic factors 
• Infectious conditions associated with cancer 

Common symptoms 

The common symptoms of cancer are mentioned below: 

• Lumps are formed in the affected area. For example, breast cancer. 
• Inflamed lymph nodes are seen in the neck, armpits, or groin, depending on the spread of the cancer. 
• Pain in specific areas. 
• Bleeding is noticed in the nose, and blood streaks are found in sputum and stools. 
• Recurrent infection in the same area, which fails to heal completely. 
• Nausea, vomiting, fever, fatigue, and abdominal discomfort are more commonly noticed. 
• Respiratory dysfunctions are linked to lung cancer. 
• Neurological symptoms, such as headaches and seizures, may be associated with brain tumours. 
• Weight loss is a major sign of cancer. 

Diagnostic tools in oncology 

Various tools are used to diagnose the cancer, such as: 

• Blood tests – They are used to identify the cancer biomarker and are helpful for early diagnosis. 
• Biopsy – A small portion of the tumour is removed and observed under the microscope to interpret the characteristics of cancer cells. 
• Radiological techniques – Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound scans are used to diagnose the size, location, and spread of cancer. 
• Screening tests – They help diagnose the cancer at an earlier stage. Screening tests identify the predisposing factors, especially in lung and breast cancers. 

Importance of staging in cancer 

The oncologist performs staging using the size and location of the tumour. Any cancer is classified from stage 0 to stage 4, where stage 4 is the most advanced cancer. In such cases, the cancer might have spread to other areas of the body. Staging is used for diagnostic purposes and to plan the treatment outcomes in people with cancer. People with advanced stages of cancer require palliative care and support. 

Treatment types in oncology 

There are three treatment strategies in oncology, as mentioned below: 

• Medical oncology – Formulated drugs are used to treat cancer patients. The various therapies in medical oncology include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormonal therapy, and immune therapy. 
• Surgical oncology – Surgeries are performed by the surgeons to remove the large tumours. 
• Radiation oncology – Radiation is used to destroy cancer cells, reduce the size of tumours, and manage malignant tumours. 

Malignant tumours are managed using a multidisciplinary approach. They are either treated with one of the above-mentioned procedures or using a combination of two or more procedures. Fortis Healthcare offers multiple treatment options and is referred to as the top cancer hospital in India. 

In the recent days, more advanced techniques have emerged for treating cancer. It improves the survival rate in people with cancer. Fortis Healthcare is one of the top cancer treatment hospitals in India. Book your appointment online. Cancer requires a comprehensive approach that includes radiologists, pathologists, oncologists, surgeons, and therapists.