Types of Oncology
There are three main categories of Oncology: medical, surgical, and radiation, each defined by its unique approach to cancer treatment.
Main Categories
- Medical Oncology — focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer using pharmacological and hormonal therapies, as seen in the work of the National Cancer Institute, which develops and tests new cancer treatments.
- Surgical Oncology — involves the surgical removal of tumors and cancerous tissues, with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center being a prominent example of a hospital that specializes in surgical oncology procedures.
- Radiation Oncology — utilizes high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells, as employed by the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, which offers advanced radiation therapy treatments.
Comparison Table
| Category | Treatment Approach | Cost | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Oncology | Pharmacological and hormonal therapies | High (e.g., ~$100,000 per year for some targeted therapies, National Cancer Institute) | Moderate (e.g., side effects from chemotherapy) |
| Surgical Oncology | Surgical removal of tumors | High (e.g., ~$50,000 for a surgical procedure, American Cancer Society) | High (e.g., risks associated with surgery) |
| Radiation Oncology | High-energy radiation | Moderate (e.g., ~$10,000 per treatment course, American Society for Radiation Oncology) | Low (e.g., non-invasive) |
How They Relate
The categories of oncology often overlap, with patients receiving treatment from multiple specialties, such as medical oncologists and radiation oncologists working together to develop a comprehensive treatment plan, as seen in the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Specifically, surgical oncology and medical oncology may be used in conjunction, with surgery removing the primary tumor and medical oncology treating any remaining cancer cells, as in the case of breast cancer treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Additionally, radiation oncology may be used in combination with surgical oncology, with radiation therapy used to shrink tumors before surgery, as seen in the treatment of lung cancer at Massachusetts General Hospital.