Cells can degenerate in any tissue and possibly develop into an uncontrolled growing tumor. Such tissue types include, for example, epithelial cells (carcinoma) or the pigment cells of the skin (melanoma).
This development can be triggered by external factors (such as the frequent inhalation of harmful particles), but genetic predispositions through oncogenes and the immune system also play a decisive role.
We speak of cancer when a malignant tumor has formed. In other words, a cell degeneration that continues to grow and not only compresses healthy tissue, but can also spread to it.
In later stages of the disease, the tumor can also spread into the lymphatic system and settle as metastases in other organs. Areas of the body frequently affected by this type of secondary cancer are the bones, the brain and the liver.
Current studies show that the frequency of developing a malignant tumor and contracting cancer is constantly increasing.
More men than women are still diagnosed with cancer every year. In 2008, there were approximately 247,000 cases of cancer among men in Germany. The previous year's figures from 2007 show even more clearly that men are affected by cancer more frequently than women.
The most common types of cancer in oncology in the female population in Germany include
The types of cancer that occur most frequently in men are
Other types of cancer that are treated in oncology and are common in both sexes in Germany are
These precise figures, which are collected in oncology for statistical purposes, show the progression of and changes in the various cancers. This survey is called epidemiology. Statistical data collection in medicine records the number of new cases, the mortality rate and prevalence.
Oncology is a complex field that combines several medical specialties. The reason for this is simply that every structure of the body, and therefore every cell, can degenerate and thus form tumors. Oncology also includes hematology and pediatric oncology. Depending on the various possible cancer locations, oncology works together with numerous other specialist disciplines on an interdisciplinary basis to diagnose and treat a tumor.
The oncology specialist not only cares for the patient and their individual therapy, but is also very familiar with the prognosis of different types of tumors, their development and has the knowledge to decide which cancer therapy can best treat individual tumors.
When assessing the most promising treatment, an interdisciplinary tumor board is often consulted, in which various specialists can discuss this.
With the different types of tumor, the main diagnostic task is to correctly classify the tumor and its growth stage. This is done using the so-called TNM classification. It indicates the stage of the cancer, on the basis of which a therapy or the sequence of therapy steps is then determined.
This number indicates both the size of the tumor and its spread to other structures. In this way, the stage of the cancer can be assessed and evaluated by the oncologist.
The TNM classification in oncology describes the tumor (T), the involvement of the lymph nodes (N) and any metastases (M).
Cancer treatment is a lengthy process that is constantly monitored and controlled by the treating oncologist. This is the only way to ensure successful treatment. The treatment plan can be adjusted if the specialist team sees reason to do so - for example, if the treatment is not successful, if other therapies appear more promising or if the patient's state of health does not allow the chosen therapy to be continued.
Whether surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other cancer therapy - these measures often have more or less severe side effects for the patient, which may also need to be mitigated. It is therefore important that the patient feels they are in good hands.
Cancer can be accompanied by anxiety and severe disruptions to the patient's life. Psycho-oncologists are specialists who are familiar with the worries and needs of cancer patients and can help them to cope better with their illness or its effects. Psycho-oncology is part of the Psychosomatic Medicine department.
Patients need to be monitored very closely after their cancer treatment, even if they are considered cured. In addition, cancer patients can support their everyday lives to keep themselves fit and healthy. This includes, for example, a healthy diet and sufficient physical activity.
The check-ups that the oncology expert carries out regularly after treatment include regular blood samples and imaging examinations to ensure that any recurrence of the tumor (known as a relapse) is detected as quickly as possible.
