Medical Oncology
Cancer is a globally prevalent health problem that poses a threat to public health worldwide. Today, significant advancements are being made in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The branch of science that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of cancer disease is called oncology. Oncology as a discipline has various sub-specialties such as surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology.
Medical Oncology (Clinical Oncology) What is it?
Medical oncology, also known as clinical oncology, is a branch of science that deals with the treatment of cancer with medication. However, medical oncologists not only focus on the treatment of cancer but also on early diagnosis and prevention methods. In the continuation of the text, you can find information about the diseases falling under the scope of medical oncology and the treatment methods used in medical oncology.
What is the Department of Medical Oncology?
At Liv Hospital Medical Oncology Clinic, cancer diagnosis and treatment are carried out by a team of medical oncology specialists. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in cancer disease. In some cases, cancer can be detected through routine check-ups even in the absence of symptoms. If you have symptoms such as sudden weight loss, weakness, unexplained pain, palpable mass, or if your family has a history of cancer, do not hesitate to make an appointment with a specialist doctor for examinations.
What does Medical Oncology Focus on?
Cancer is a health problem that occurs as a result of uncontrolled growth of cells anywhere in the body. Symptoms and treatment methods vary depending on the type of cancer. Oncologists specialized in medical oncology prepare a treatment plan tailored to the type of cancer and the patient's needs. The main diseases falling under the scope of medical oncology are as follows:
- Hematological cancers such as lymphoma, leukemia, multiple myeloma,
- Breast cancer,
- Brain cancer,
- Various types of cancer such as lung, stomach, colon cancer Many other types of cancer fall under the scope of medical oncology.
Medical oncologists are usually the first specialists that patients with suspected cancer or diagnosed cancer consult. However, if necessary, medical oncology specialists collaborate with other sub-disciplines of oncology in a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment. Medical oncologists are closely involved not only in cancer treatment but also in the post-treatment process.
What is Medical Oncology Treatment?
When it comes to medical oncology, the first treatment methods that come to mind are chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Additionally, within the scope of medical oncology specialization, services such as pain management, symptomatic treatment, nutritional and dietary support, psychological therapy, and support are also provided. Some of the treatment approaches falling under the scope of medical oncology include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, pain management, symptomatic treatment, nutrition and diet, psychological therapy, and support. These treatment approaches are detailed below.
What is Chemotherapy?
One of the primary methods used in the treatment of cancer is chemotherapy, which refers to the treatment of cancer with drugs. During treatment, various medications are given to the patient to destroy cancer cells or stop their growth. The medical oncologist decides which of these drugs will be used during treatment based on the type and stage of cancer. Chemotherapy can be used for various purposes in the treatment of cancer. It can be used as the primary treatment method for cancer, and in some cases, it can be used after surgical treatment of cancer to minimize the possibility of cancer cells remaining. Additionally, in cases where surgery is planned for the treatment of cancer, it may be necessary to shrink the tumor before surgery. Some common side effects may occur in patients after chemotherapy. Common side effects associated with chemotherapy drugs include:
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Hair loss
- Irregular bowel movements
- Fever
- Mouth sores
- Easy bruising and bleeding
The side effects observed after chemotherapy vary depending on the patient's overall health and the chemotherapy drug. Before treatment, patients are informed about the side effects of the treatment by the medical oncologist, and if necessary, some medications to alleviate these side effects may be recommended.
What is Immunotherapy?
Under normal circumstances, a healthy immune system protects the body against threats from both external and internal sources. Immunotherapy aims to strengthen the immune system and support it in fighting against cancer cells. With immunotherapy, the immune system can work more effectively to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Additionally, immunotherapy can help the immune system produce antibodies that fight against cancer.
Immunotherapy treatment stimulates the immune system to fight against cancer. As a result, in some patients, the immune system may attack not only cancer cells but also healthy cells. Consequently, some side effects may occur. The main side effects encountered after immunotherapy are as follows:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Itching
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and/or vomiting
Before, during, and after treatment, the medical oncologist provides detailed information to patients about the possible side effects of immunotherapy and ways to prevent them.
What is Pain Management (Algology)?
Pain is a common problem encountered in cancer patients, significantly affecting their quality of life. The field of medical oncology is not only concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer but also with improving patients' quality of life. In this context, medical oncologists are often specialists in pain management, also known as algology. Research shows that successful pain management can improve a patient's quality of life and survival rate.
What is Symptomatic Treatment?
Symptomatic treatment aims to alleviate symptoms experienced by cancer patients such as loss of appetite, insomnia, nausea, weight loss, fatigue, and infections, and improve the patient's quality of life.
What is Nutrition and Diet Therapy?
Healthy eating and an active lifestyle can help prevent cancer and slow its progression. Loss of appetite and weight loss are common symptoms in cancer patients. Additionally, loss of appetite is one of the side effects of cancer treatments. It is important to maintain a strong immune system during cancer treatment. Healthy eating helps strengthen the immune system. In other words, educating patients about healthy and balanced nutrition is one of the most important stages of cancer treatment.
What is Psychological Therapy and Support?
Both cancer itself and the treatment process can lead to physiological and psychological problems in patients. Patients diagnosed with cancer may initially have difficulty accepting the illness. Subsequently, they may worry about what to expect in their journey and often face fear of death. Therefore, psychological therapy and support are important for cancer patients. Research shows that psychological support improves patients' quality of life and survival rate. Therefore, medical oncology specialists provide psychological therapy and support in collaboration with other disciplines after a cancer diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Oncology
With the increasing number of cancer cases, the field of oncology has become more widely recognized. However, its subfields may still not be clearly distinguished by patients. Below are frequently asked questions and their answers regarding the medical oncology unit:
What is the Difference Between Medical Oncology and Oncology?
Medical oncology and oncology are synonymous terms. Both utilize drug treatment methods such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Why Visit Medical Oncology?
Medical oncologists not only focus on treating cancer but also managing complications that may arise during the diagnosis and treatment process. Additionally, individuals with a family history of cancer or suspected cancer may receive guidance on cancer prevention from medical oncology specialists.
Medical oncologists are often the first doctors patients with cancer or suspected cancer consult. These specialists provide necessary information not only about the diagnosis and treatment of cancer but also about cancer prevention methods. Medical oncology is an important sub-discipline of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .
