Oncology: Definition and Overview

Cancers can be classified in two ways:

• According to the type of tissue from which the cancer originates (histological type, i.e., carcinoma, myeloma, etc.);
• And according to the primary site, i.e., the area of the body where the tumor first developed (i.e., breast, prostate, stomach, intestine, etc.);

From a histological point of view, there are hundreds of different types of cancer, but they can be grouped into six main categories:

• The term "carcinoma" refers to a malignant tumor of epithelial origin or a cancer of the inner or outer wall of the body. Carcinomas, malignant tumors of epithelial tissue, account for 80 to 90% of all cancer cases;

Carcinomas are divided into two main subtypes:

• Adenocarcinoma, which develops in an organ or gland. They spread easily through the soft tissues in which they develop;
• Squamous cell carcinoma originates in squamous epithelium, typical of mucous membranes;

Most carcinomas affect organs or glands capable of some form of secretion, such as the breast which produces milk, the lungs which secrete mucus, the colon, the prostate or the bladder.

Sarcoma is the form of cancer that originates in the supporting tissues and connective tissues such as bones, tendons, cartilage, muscles and fat. They generally develop in young adults and the most common form often develops as a painful mass on the bone. Sarcomas generally resemble the tissue in which they develop.

Here are some examples of sarcomas:

• Osteosarcoma or osteogenic sarcoma (bone);
• Mesenchymal sarcoma or mesothelioma (membranous lining of body cavities);
• Fibrosarcoma (fibrous tissue);
• Angiosarcoma or hemangioendothelioma (blood vessels);
• Liposarcoma (adipose tissue);
• Glioma or astrocytoma (neurogenic connective tissue located in the brain);
• Myeloma: Myeloma is a cancer that originates in the plasma cells of the bone marrow, which are responsible for producing certain antibodies in the blood;
• Leukemia: Leukemias ("liquid tumors" or "blood cancers") are cancers of the bone marrow (where blood cells are produced). The disease is often associated with an overproduction of immature white blood cells, which therefore do not function as they should and thus expose the patient to the risk of infection. Leukemia also affects red blood cells and can lead to blood clotting problems and fatigue due to anemia;
• Lymphomas develop in the glands or nodes of the lymphatic system, a network of vessels, nodes and organs (including the spleen, tonsils and thymus) that filter body fluids and produce white blood cells to prevent and fight infections;
  • Mixed types: In some cases, mixed tumor forms are observed, such as:
  • Adenosquamous carcinoma;
  • Mixed mesodermal tumor;
  • Carcinosarcoma;
  • Teratocarcinoma;

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Specialized Oncology Services

Many people question the definition of oncology, or what the role of an oncologist is, or what the difference is between a cancer specialist and an oncologist, and what an oncologist treats. Oncology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cancers and the oncologist is the doctor specializing in this medical branch. However, the oncologist does not act alone, but is always accompanied by other specialists as well. This is why today there are different specialized oncology services.

Let's analyze the main ones:

• Breast and Senology Service: A woman suffering from any breast problem can contact the senology center for a thorough examination and consultation;
• Pulmonary Tumor Unit: The pulmonary tumor unit is composed of different professionals (doctors, nurses, technicians) from the following disciplines: nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, medical oncology;
• Uro-genital Tumor Unit: The genito-urinary tumor unit brings together the different professionals (urologists, radiologists, nuclear medicine physicians, radiation oncologists and oncologists) who are responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of tumors of the prostate, kidney, bladder and testicle;
• The lymphoma unit is dedicated to the treatment of neoplasms of the lymphatic system: A team of experienced doctors ensures rapid management, the organization of the examinations necessary for the initial staging of the lymphoma and the implementation of the most appropriate therapy;
• Hemato-oncology service: The hematology service deals with blood diseases. The patient suffering from a hematological pathology is placed in this specialized unit. Here, the activity of the professionals is divided into a purely diagnostic laboratory part (establishing correct diagnoses), a clinical part (investigations and treatment of patients with hematological diseases), and a clinical and laboratory research part (development and improvement of new therapies);
• Gynecological oncology unit: Gynecological tumors are cancers that develop in the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, more rarely the vulva and vagina. The prognosis for patients has improved considerably over the last decade thanks to a better understanding of molecular biology and the application of a multidisciplinary approach, with the concomitant or sequential use of surgery, radiotherapy and medical treatment;
• Melanomas and skin tumors: This unit deals with the treatment of patients with malignant melanoma both at an early stage, prescribing initial and possibly postoperative therapy, and at an advanced stage of the disease, using more complex drug therapies;
• Neurological tumors: The neuro-oncology service is responsible for treating patients with tumors of the nervous system, in particular brain tumors, and actively participates in research in this field. It is composed of a multidisciplinary group of specialists working in disciplines such as neurosurgery, neurology, neuro-oncology, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology and neuroradiology. These professionals are joined by a palliative care physician and highly specialized paramedical personnel;
• Pediatric Oncology: The main objective of pediatric oncology is the treatment of acute and chronic benign diseases of the child, as well as all oncological diseases typical of this age group;