Onkology

Onkology, often spelled oncology in English, is the branch of medicine that deals with cancer. It encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of malignant tumors, as well as the study of cancer biology and the mechanisms by which tumors grow and spread. The field relies on a multidisciplinary team including medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, nurses, and palliative care specialists. In many health systems, oncology is integrated with hematology, given the overlap between hematologic malignancies and solid tumors.

Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and the potential to invade or metastasize. Diagnosis involves history, physical exam, laboratory tests, imaging, and tissue biopsy with histopathology. Staging uses systems like TNM to assess tumor size, nodal involvement, and metastasis. Treatments include surgery to remove tumors, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapies that attack specific molecular alterations, immunotherapy that stimulates the immune system, hormone therapies for certain cancers, and, in some cases, stem cell transplantation. Palliative care focuses on symptom management and quality of life.

Education and research in oncology continue to evolve with advances in genomic profiling, precision medicine, and immunotherapy. Public health measures aim at prevention and early detection, with risk factor modification (tobacco, obesity, infections) and screening programs. Training for oncologists emphasizes evidence-based practice and multidisciplinary collaboration. Global disparities in access to cancer care and therapy remain a major challenge, underscoring the need for equitable delivery of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.