Oncology is the diagnosis, treatment, and management of different types of cancer. Cancer is a disease caused by changes within your cells, resulting in abnormal reproduction and growth. For optimum functioning of your cells, they need to complete their life cycle and die before your body can replace them with new cells. If you have cancer, the cells will reproduce and grow without drying as needed. As they build up, the cancerous cells deplete nutrients that should be utilized by your healthy cells. It can cause problems with your immune system and other crucial body organs. Sometimes, you may develop cancer that spreads to other parts of your body through the lymphatic fluid or your blood. If you think you have any form of cancer, you may visit a medical practitioner specializing in oncology in Sebring for proper diagnosis. If you have a positive diagnosis, they can recommend suitable treatments and management measures depending on your cancer type.
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When Should You Visit an Oncologist?
An oncologist conducts different procedures to diagnose different kinds of cancer. Since cancer can potentially affect every single part of your body, there are various ways to perform diagnosis and administer treatment. An oncologist can help diagnose and treat cancers originating in your:
- Thyroid
- Skin
- Stomach
- Breast
- Colon
You require advanced testing to diagnose these kinds of cancer. For instance, a biopsy can make it easier for an oncologist to identify cancerous cells in a tissue sample under a microscope. If you think you have or show symptoms of colorectal cancer, an oncologist can conduct a colonoscopy to monitor changes in your rectum and colon. They can also use the same procedure to extract sample tissues for a biopsy.
Types of Cancer
Cancer can affect almost every tissue type in your body, but it commonly affects some parts more than others. Types of cancer are grouped into three primary categories:
- Carcinomas originate in the epithelial cells that line body cavities such as breast ducts and airwaves or the body surface. They are the most common type of cancer.
- Sarcomas affect connective tissues like blood vessels, bones, nerves, and cartilage, among others.
- Blood-based cancers include lymphomas, multiple myeloma, and leukemias.
What Is Port Placement?
Port placement refers to a minor surgery conducted by an oncologist. They make a small incision through which they place a hollow tube, referred to as a catheter, below your clavicle into a vein. The port plays a significant role in managing cancer. Through this port, an oncologist can extract blood for testing and samples. They can also use the port to administer medications, nutrients, and fluids. If your treatment needs blood transfusions, your oncologist can also administer it through the port.
Chemotherapy, one of the most common and most important cancer treatments, depends on a port. A doctor will administer medications that kill cancerous cells throughout your body during the treatment via the port. Chemotherapy can help shrink or eliminate tumors.
In summary, oncology is a field of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and management of different types of cancer. The most common types of cancer include sarcomas, carcinomas, and blood-based cancers. An oncologist can administer a port placement to aid the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer.