Main Developments in the Field of Medical Oncology From Diagnosis to Treatment
Oncology
Oncology is the medical field that studies tumors, aiming to understand how they grow, develop, treat, and prevent them.
Oncologists are doctors who specialize in treating cancer. They treat cancer using medications, whether in its early or advanced stages.
However, some types of cancer can be treated in their early stages with surgery or radiation therapy alone, without the need for oncology specialists.
What is a Tumor?
A tumor is a solid mass of tissue formed when abnormal cells aggregate together. Tumors can affect bones, skin, tissues, organs, and glands. Many tumors are not cancer (they are benign), but they still need treatment.
Malignant or cancerous tumors can be life-threatening and require cancer treatment.
Types of Tumors
- Cancerous: Malignant or cancerous tumors can spread to nearby tissues, glands, and other parts of the body. New tumors are known as metastases. Cancerous tumors can recur after treatment (cancer recurrence). These tumors can be life-threatening.
- Non-cancerous: Benign tumors are not cancerous and are rarely life-threatening. They are localized, meaning they do not usually affect nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Many non-cancerous tumors do not require treatment. However, some benign tumors may press on other parts of the body and require medical care.
Types of Malignant Tumors
Types of cancerous tumors include:
- Bone tumors (osteosarcoma and chordoma).
- Brain tumors like glioblastoma and astrocytoma.
- Malignant soft tissue tumors and sarcomas.
- Organ tumors such as lung cancer and pancreatic cancer.
- Germ cell tumors of the ovary.
- Skin tumors (such as squamous cell carcinoma).
Types of Benign Tumors
Common non-cancerous tumors include:
- Benign bone tumors (osteomas).
- Brain tumors such as meningiomas and schwannomas.
- Gland tumors like pituitary adenomas.
- Lymphatic tumors such as hemangiomas.
- Benign soft tissue tumors like lipomas.
- Uterine fibroids.
What Causes a Tumor?
Your body continuously makes new cells to replace old or damaged cells that die. Sometimes, cells do not die as expected, or new cells grow and multiply faster than they should. The cells start to accumulate, forming a tumor.
Risk Factors for Tumors
Tumors affect people of all ages, including children. Factors that increase the chances of developing a tumor include:
- Genetic mutations (changes), such as mutated genes (breast cancer).
- Inherited conditions, such as Lynch syndrome and neurofibromatosis.
- Family history of certain types of cancer like breast cancer or prostate cancer.
- Smoking.
- Exposure to toxins such as benzene or asbestos.
- Radiation exposure.
- Viruses such as the human papillomavirus.
- Obesity.
Tumor Symptoms
Symptoms of a tumor vary depending on where the tumor develops and whether it is cancerous. You might be able to feel a lump, as in the case of a breast lump. You may experience:
- Fatigue.
- Fever or chills.
- Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss.
- Night sweats.
- Pain.
- Diagnosing Tumors
Doctors perform a biopsy to determine whether a tumor is cancerous or not. A biopsy involves removing cell samples from the tumor.
A pathologist examines the samples in the lab to make a diagnosis. If the tumor is in a hard-to-reach area, the healthcare provider might remove the entire tumor and then perform a biopsy. You may also undergo one or more of these tests:
- Blood test.
- Imaging tests: such as X-rays, CT scans.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).
- PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan.
Tumor Treatment
Tumor treatments depend on several factors, including the type of tumor (malignant or benign) and its location. Many benign tumors do not require treatment.
However, some benign tumors can continue to grow. For example, benign brain tumors can press on healthy tissues, affecting vision or speech. A doctor may recommend surgery to remove the tumor.
Treatment of Benign Tumors
For benign tumors, treatment may not be necessary if the mass does not pose a significant threat. However, the following measures may be taken:
- Observation: In some cases, the best option is to monitor the tumor without resorting to treatment, especially if the mass is not bothersome or does not grow rapidly.
- Surgical Removal: If there are troublesome symptoms or if removal of the tumor is necessary, surgery can be the solution, where the tumor is completely excised.
- Medication: Medications may be used to control tumor growth or to alleviate associated symptoms.
Treatment of Malignant Cancerous Tumors
For cancerous tumors, treatment includes a variety of options depending on the nature and progression of the tumor:
- Chemotherapy: Involves using chemical drugs to destroy cancer cells or reduce their activity.
- Radiation Therapy: Involves directing high-energy rays at the tumor to destroy or reduce the growth of cancer cells.
- Surgery: Involves the surgical removal of the tumor, and the surgery may be extended to adjacent tissues if necessary.
- Hormone Therapy: Relies on using hormones to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in some cases, such as breast and prostate cancer.
- Immunotherapy: Aims to enhance the immune system’s response to help it fight the cancerous tumor.
Complications of Tumor
Benign tumors may grow and press on organs like the brain. Endocrine tumors may not be cancerous but can cause the body to produce excessive hormones. Surgery may be needed to remove the tumor.
Cancerous cells can break away from the original tumor. The cells may travel in the bloodstream (circulatory system) or lymphatic system. When the cells settle in a new place like an organ or gland, they start to multiply again, leading to the formation of a new tumor (metastatic cancer). Treating cancer that spreads can be more challenging.
Difference Between Benign and Malignant Tumors
Benign and malignant tumors may have similar symptoms, but the type of tumor can only be confirmed through a biopsy.
A biopsy is a medical procedure that involves taking a small sample of tissue from the tumor and sending it to the lab for examination under a microscope.
A pathologist analyzes the sample and determines whether the tumor is benign or malignant. They also identify tumor characteristics that can help guide treatment decisions.
Early Detection of Tumors
Early detection of tumors is the process of screening healthy individuals for signs and symptoms of cancer in its early stages, when it is more likely to be successfully treated.
The importance of early detection of tumors:
Early detection of tumors increases the chances of recovery from cancer by up to 50%. This is because cancer in its early stages is usually smaller and less widespread than cancer in its advanced stages, making it more treatable.
Methods for early detection of tumors
There are many different methods for the early detection of tumors. The appropriate method depends on the type of cancer being targeted.
Here are some popular methods for early detection of tumors:
- Self-examination: people can do self-examination for some types of tumors, such as breast cancer and cervical cancer.
- Laboratory tests: laboratory tests can be used to check blood, urine, or tissue for signs of cancer.
- Imaging: medical imaging, such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, can be used to determine the presence of tumors.
- Endoscopy: endoscopy, a procedure in which a long, flexible tube with a camera is used, can be used to examine the inside of the body for tumors.
Tips for early detection of tumors
Here are some tips to help increase your chances of early cancer detection:
- Talk to your doctor about your own risks of cancer. Your doctor can help you determine which tests and procedures are right for you.
- Follow the guidelines for breast and cervical cancer screening.
- Ask your doctor about other early detection tests that may be suitable for you.
- Be aware of the symptoms of cancer. If you notice any new or changing symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
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