Onkologian

Onkologian, commonly translated as oncology, is the branch of medicine focused on cancer. It covers the prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care of malignant diseases. The field includes medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and hematology-oncology, and relies on multidisciplinary teams to tailor care to individual patients.

Diagnosis and staging involve history and physical examination, laboratory tests, imaging (such as CT, MRI, and PET), biopsy with histopathology, and increasingly molecular profiling. Staging systems, including TNM, classify disease extent and guide treatment decisions and prognosis. Screening programs for certain cancers aim to reduce mortality through early detection and intervention.

Treatments are typically multimodal and personalized. Surgery aims to remove tumors when feasible; radiotherapy uses targeted ionizing radiation to destroy cancer cells; systemic therapies include chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and hormonal treatments. In some settings, stem cell transplantation or regional therapies are employed. The goals range from curative intent to disease control and palliation, with emphasis on maintaining quality of life. Ongoing research, including clinical trials, seeks to improve effectiveness and reduce toxicity. Training for oncologic practitioners typically involves medical or surgical education, residency, and fellowship programs, with a focus on guidelines, evidence-based practice, and patient-centered care.