Oncology
Oncology private practice
Oncology is a special field that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of cancer diseases.
Early detection is particularly important in the case of cancer diseases.
As sooner someone sees an oncologist and as sooner the targeted treatment begins, the better the patient's chances of a quick recovery and regaining their previous quality of life.
Type of cancers can appear in any part of the body, so it may be necessary to involve multiple specialties for targeted treatment and to develop the appropriate therapy.
The above can be influenced by many factors, such as:
- the patient's condition,
- the location of the disease,
- and the results of histological and diagnostic examinations.
Oncological treatments are always preceded by complex examinations, as the treatment can be very diverse, so sometimes medication is sufficient, while other times surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are also necessary.
When you should consult with an oncologist?
Patients most often come to oncology specifically after a specialist has found signs of cancerous lesions during the initial examinations.
That is why it is not possible to list general symptoms that require an oncological examination, since a cancerous lesion can produce a wide variety of complaints depending on where it appears in the human body.
Therefore, if we have not received a specific referral for an oncological examination, it is worth visiting an oncologist in the following cases - even as a preventive measure:
- if a painless lump, swelling or other lesion indicating cancer was found during a self-examination or screening in another specialist;
- if we want to be sure of our condition and do not accept the first oncological diagnosis, i.e. we would like to request a second opinion, which may be particularly important before certain interventions or treatments;
- if several cancer diseases have been diagnosed in close relatives, meaning that statistically we are among the people with high risk factors;
- if we need an oncological screening test or general advice.
Specific oncological symptoms
Oncology deals with all malignant tumors. These can have different symptoms and symptom complexes related to the affected organs, which require immediate examination.
Specific oncological symptoms for each type of cancer are the following:
- Swollen lymph nodes, usually painless, without other complaints.
- Various skin lesions, mainly related to moles or non-healing wounds.
- Continuous digestive problems such as bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools or jaundice.
- Persistent cough, hoarseness, frequent shortness of breath and chronic respiratory infections.
- Accumulation of neurological complaints such as constant headaches, speech disorders, pressure on the skull, visual disturbances or epileptic seizures.
- Frequent pain anywhere in the body, but especially in the abdomen, back and head.
- Appearance of lumps in parts of the body such as the breasts or testicles.
- Bleeding symptoms, which can affect the gastrointestinal tract, but for example, coughing up blood or bleeding from the nose can also be specific oncological complaints.
How can an oncologist help to you?
The oncologist plays a key role in ensuring that cancer patients receive complex diagnosis and treatment. In addition, oncology provides
- guidance and expert advice on the therapies and other alternative options necessary for recovery;
- organization and systematization of imaging tests necessary for diagnosis;
- basic information related to malignant tumors;
- preservation of quality of life during the treatments that have begun;
- preparation of possible second opinions;
- personalized oncological screening tests and other prevention options.
What happens during an oncological examination?
Anamnesis
A general oncological examination always begins with listening to the patient's complaints and assessing their condition.
If the patient arrives at the oncologist after tests have already been performed in another specialty or a tumor has been suspected – for example, after a laboratory test or cytology – the specialist will begin the assessment by reviewing the medical reports.
Of course, the patient will be questioned in light of this, so they must provide a more thorough account of
- the symptoms,
- the related complaints,
- the medical history,
- the co-morbidities,
- but often the lifestyle,
- and other diseases in the family are also important to explore in order to begin targeted examinations.
Physical examinations
After taking the anamnesis, in the case of certain complaints, a physical examination is also performed, as part of the oncologist examines the problem areas, whether they are visible or palpable lesions.
An important step on the path to establishing a specific diagnosis is for the oncologist to request a targeted laboratory examination, which in many cases also requires
- histological biopsy sampling,
- histology,
- or cytology, as these are most often able to support the lesions.
Imaging tests
All oncological examinations involve some form of imaging. In most cases, ultrasound examination of the questioned area is sufficient, but CT and MRI may be necessary to reveal deeper lesions.
Very often, especially in the case of more complex lesions, patients must undergo all examinations in order to reach an accurate diagnosis, as this is the only way to initiate highly cautious treatment methods such as medication, radiation and chemotherapy, or possible surgery.
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