Cancer is considered a scourge of humanity and is the second leading cause of death worldwide, after cardiovascular disease. Prostate cancer is particularly common among men, while breast cancer and uterine cancer are most common among women.

Oncology—a branch of internal medicine—deals with carcinomas and tumors of all kinds: Oncologists are involved in cancer screening from the outset. They support cancer patients through diagnosis and treatment and provide follow-up care.

Oncological treatment in the hospital focuses on removing or destroying all tumor tissue. If doctors are unable to remove or destroy the cancer, oncologists attempt to shrink the tumor. This generally alleviates symptoms and extends the patient’s life expectancy.

In addition to surgical removal of the tumor, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are among the most common methods of treatment. Chemotherapy involves the use of cytostatic drugs—natural or synthetic substances that inhibit the growth of malignant cells. Newer classes of drugs are increasingly enabling targeted therapies that specifically target certain types of cancer. These include, among others, monoclonal antibody therapies.

In addition to the types of cancer already mentioned, many people are also diagnosed with kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, and leukemia. Malignant melanoma and bladder cancer are also included.

You can find oncology subspecialties listed below!

Background Information on the Development of Cancer

Cells in any tissue can become abnormal and may develop into a tumor that grows uncontrollably. Examples of such tissue types include epithelial cells (carcinoma) or the pigment cells of the skin (melanoma).

This process can be triggered by external factors (such as frequent inhalation of harmful particles). However, genetic predispositions caused by oncogenes and the immune system also play a decisive role.

Doctors refer to a condition as cancer when a malignant tumor has formed—that is, a cellular degeneration that continues to grow and can not only displace healthy tissue but also invade it.

In later stages of the disease, the tumor can also spread to the lymphatic system and establish itself as metastases in other organs. Areas of the body frequently affected by this type of so-called secondary cancer include the bones, the brain, and the liver.

Common Types of Cancer in Germany

Recent studies show that the incidence of developing a malignant tumor and being diagnosed with cancer continues to rise.

Each year, more men than women are diagnosed with cancer. In 2008, there were approximately 247,000 cases of cancer among men in Germany. By comparison, only 223,000 women were diagnosed. The figures from the previous year, 2007, show even more clearly that men are diagnosed with cancer more frequently than women.

The most common types of cancer among women in Germany include:

The most common types of cancer in men are:

Prostate cancer
Colorectal cancer and
Lung cancer

Other types of cancer treated by oncology that are common in both men and women in Germany include:

Bladder and kidney cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Skin cancer and
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

These figures collected by oncology show trends and changes in various types of cancer. This process is called epidemiology. The statistical collection of data in medicine tracks the number of new cases, the mortality rate, and prevalence.

Chemotherapy is an effective cancer treatment using medications @ Elnur /AdobeStock

Scope of Oncology Services

Oncology is a complex field that combines several medical specialties. The reason: Any structure in the body—and thus any cell—can become malignant and form tumors.

Oncology also includes hematology and pediatric oncology. Because of the wide variety of cancer types, oncology collaborates with numerous other medical disciplines in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The oncologist cares for the patient and develops the treatment plan.

They are thoroughly familiar with:

The prognosis of different tumor types and their development
Knowledge of which cancer therapy is most effective for each specific tumor

To initiate the most promising treatment, there is an interdisciplinary tumor board where specialists can consult with one another.

Tumor Classification

When dealing with different types of tumors, the primary goal of diagnosis is to correctly classify the tumor and determine its stage of growth.

This is done using the so-called TNM classification, which indicates the stage of the cancer. This allows doctors to subsequently determine a treatment plan or the sequence of treatment steps.

The TNM classification assesses both the size of the tumor and its spread to other structures. This allows the oncologist to evaluate and assess the stage of the cancer.

The TNM classification in oncology describes:

the tumor (T)
lymph node involvement (N) and
any possible metastases (M)

How Cancer Cells Grow @ Orapun /AdobeStock

Patient Care in Oncology

Cancer treatment is a lengthy process that the oncologist constantly monitors and manages.

This is the only way to ensure the treatment’s success. The oncologist can adjust the treatment plan if the team of specialists deems it necessary.

This may be the case in the following situations:

For example, if the treatment is not working
If other therapies appear to offer better prospects, or
If the patient’s health does not allow for continuation of the chosen treatment

Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other cancer treatments often have side effects of varying severity for the patient. In some cases, doctors may also need to manage these side effects. It is therefore important that the patient feels they are in good hands.

A cancer diagnosis can be accompanied by anxiety and major disruptions to the patient’s life. Psycho-oncologists are specialists who are familiar with the concerns and struggles of cancer patients. They can help patients better cope with their illness and its effects. Psycho-oncology is a branch of psychosomatic medicine.

Follow-up Care After Acute Cancer Treatment

Patients require very close monitoring after cancer treatment—even after they have been cured.

In addition, cancer patients can make lifestyle adjustments to help keep themselves fit and healthy. This includes, for example, a healthy diet and sufficient physical activity.

The follow-up examinations that the oncologist conducts regularly after treatment include: