oncologico

Oncologico is a term used in Italian and Spanish to describe matters related to oncology. In English, the corresponding adjective is oncological and the field is oncology. The term encompasses the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer, as well as palliative care and survivorship for people with malignant disease.

The oncologico field is multidisciplinary, integrating clinicians, researchers, and allied health professionals. Key subspecialties include medical oncology (drug-based systemic therapy), surgical oncology (tumor removal and biopsy), and radiation oncology (radiation therapy). Additional areas include pediatric oncology, hematologic oncology (blood cancers), neuro-oncology, gynecologic oncology, thoracic oncology, and urological oncology.

Diagnosis and staging rely on screening, imaging, and pathology. Imaging modalities include CT, MRI, and PET scans; diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy with histopathology and often molecular profiling. Staging systems (such as TNM) guide prognosis and treatment decisions. Ongoing research emphasizes precision medicine, biomarkers, and molecularly guided therapies.

Treatment approaches combine surgery, systemic therapies, radiation, and supportive care. Systemic therapies include chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. In some cancers, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is used. Palliative care and symptom management are integral to improve quality of life, especially in advanced disease, alongside clinical trials evaluating new treatments.

Global oncology practice faces disparities in access to care and outcomes. Professional societies publish guidelines to standardize care. Population-based screening and prevention strategies aim to reduce incidence and mortality, while research continues to advance understanding of cancer biology and improve patient outcomes.