Cancer is a complex disease that often requires a team of specialists for diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
The branch of medicine that deals with cancer is called oncology, and doctors who specialize in it are known as oncologists.
But oncology isn’t just one field — it is divided into three major types, each focusing on a specific aspect of cancer treatment.
Let’s explore the three types of oncology and how they work together to provide the best care for patients.
Medical oncology focuses on drug-based treatments to fight cancer, such as:
Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy
Targeted therapy
Hormone therapy
A medical oncologist is usually the primary doctor who manages a patient’s overall cancer treatment plan.
They coordinate with other specialists and monitor how the cancer responds to medications.
Key Responsibilities:
Recommending drug treatments based on cancer type and stage
Managing side effects
Monitoring remission or recurrence
Example:
If a patient is diagnosed with breast cancer, the medical oncologist might prescribe chemotherapy or targeted therapy to shrink the tumor before or after surgery.
Radiation oncology involves using high-energy radiation (like X-rays or proton beams) to destroy cancer cells.
A radiation oncologist plans and delivers these treatments with precision to minimize damage to healthy tissue.
Common Radiation Treatments:
External beam radiation therapy
Brachytherapy (placing radioactive material inside the body near the tumor)
Key Benefits:
Helps shrink tumors before surgery
Destroys remaining cancer cells after surgery
Reduces pain and symptoms in advanced cancer cases
Example:
Patients with prostate or head-and-neck cancers often receive radiation therapy as part of their treatment plan.
Surgical oncology focuses on diagnosing and removing cancerous tumors through surgical procedures.
A surgical oncologist is responsible for performing biopsies, staging the cancer, and removing tumors safely.
Key Responsibilities:
Performing biopsies to confirm diagnosis
Removing tumors or affected tissue
Reconstructing body parts after tumor removal (if necessary)
Example:
For colon cancer or breast cancer, the surgical oncologist removes the tumor and may also perform lymph node dissection to prevent further spread.
While each branch has a unique focus, effective cancer care requires a multidisciplinary approach.
A typical treatment plan may combine:
Surgery to remove the tumor
Chemotherapy or immunotherapy to kill remaining cancer cells
Radiation therapy to reduce recurrence risk
This teamwork ensures patients get comprehensive and personalized cancer care.
At Aartas Oncology Department, our team of medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists collaborate to deliver advanced, compassionate cancer care.
We use the latest techniques in precision medicine, targeted therapy, and minimally invasive surgery to ensure better outcomes and faster recovery.
The three main types of oncology — medical, surgical, and radiation — form the foundation of modern cancer treatment.
By combining their expertise, oncologists create tailored treatment plans that help patients fight cancer more effectively and improve quality of life.
Q1: Who is the first doctor to consult if I suspect cancer?
A: Start with a medical oncologist. They evaluate your condition, suggest tests, and refer you to other specialists if needed.
Q2: Can one patient need all three types of oncology?
A: Yes. Many patients require a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy for complete cancer management.
Q3: Is radiation therapy painful?
A: No, the procedure is painless. Some patients may experience mild fatigue or skin irritation, which usually goes away after treatment.
Q4: How long does cancer treatment usually take?
A: It varies depending on cancer type and stage — from a few weeks to several months. Your oncologist will create a personalized plan.
