1) Medical Oncology: Medical oncology is focused on the treatment of cancers through non-operative means such as chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, immunotherapy, radiation and all other non-surgical means.
2) Surgical Oncology: Most cancers are treated with the removal of tumours and marginal tissues. Surgical oncology is usually complemented with radiation therapy or chemotherapy to destroy the remaining cancer cells. Surgical oncology also involves biopsy procedures to obtain samples of tissues. It includes palliative surgery to relieve pain and discomfort, and restorative or reconstructive surgery to improve the appearance of the body, after other oncology surgery.
Diagnosis of cancer is usually performed by an oncologist. The type of cancer may be diagnosed and assigned by stage with the help of an oncologist who specialises in that particular type of cancer before being treated non-invasively or referred for surgery.
Diagnosis of each type of cancer is very specific to the type. However, there are a few diagnostic tests that are commonly used. If your doctor suspects that your symptoms could be cancer, further investigation is done through tests such as-
1) Biopsy: A tissue sample is obtained through a needle or surgery in order to study the suspected tissue for cancerous cells better.
2) Mammogram, Breast MRI or Breast Ultrasound: The study of the breast tissue in order to diagnose or rule out tumours. MRI’s might use contrast dyes to improve the image quality.
3) Barium Enema or Colonoscopy: These diagnostic procedures are performed to study problems with the colon or rectum.
4) Bone Scan, Bone Marrow Biopsy or Aspiration: Bone scans are used to study the bones and if there are any cancerous tissue present. They can be full-body scans using radioactive material called tracers. They use CT or CT-PET scans to study the bones. Bone marrow samples may be extracted and studied to diagnose cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma.
5) CT Scan: A computed tomography scan takes two-dimensional images of the internal tissues of the body. A contrast dye is used to get clearer images. This scan involves a small amount of radiation but the benefits outweigh the risks. For patients who cannot be subjected to radiation, an MRI might be performed.
6) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Radio waves and a powerful magnetic field are used to get images of the internal structures and tissues of the body. Since magnetic fields are used, people with metallic implanted devices cannot be subjected to an MRI scan.
7) Positron Emission Tomography (PET): PET scans use radioactive isotopes called tracers injected into the bloodstream to give very clear images of the body.
8) Endoscopy: This procedure uses a thin flexible tube that has a camera and a light at the end into the body to study the internal structures. It is used to study and diagnose problems with the digestive tract, ears, nose, throat, heart, abdomen, urinary tract and joints.
9) Tumour Marker Tests: These are tests that look for substances that are found at higher levels in the urine, blood or other body tissues for some cancer patients. These markers are also referred to as biomarkers.
10) PAP Tests: This test which is also called a PAP smear is used to study samples of tissue scraped from the cervix to check for cervical cancer.
11) Ultrasound: In addition to studying a tumour ultrasounds can be used to guide the doctor taking a biopsy sample.
Cancer is assigned a stage by the treating oncologist depending on the severity of the disease, as well as, how far it has spread. Cancer treatment is highly dependent on the stage of cancer. There is much research and newer technology that is being used in the fight against this disease..
Surgery is used to remove the cancerous tissue as well as some marginal tissue that surrounds it. It may be followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy to eradicate the cancerous cells that might be left behind.