Oncology, << ong KOL uh jee, >> is the study of the development, treatment, and prevention of cancer. It includes both research and clinical care. Doctors who specialize in oncology are called oncologists.
In the laboratory, oncologists compare human cancer cells with normal cells to try to understand the cellular mechanisms that control the growth of normal tissues. By understanding these mechanisms, oncologists hope to find ways to correct abnormal tissue growth.
Similarly, oncologists study cancers in animals to learn how the body itself often controls the growth of cancer cells. For example, the scientists study how naturally occurring chemicals called interleukins stimulate an animal’s immune system to eliminate cancer cells. Through such research on animals, oncologists hope to develop methods of cancer prevention and treatment for people.
Clinical oncologists diagnose and treat cancer. A diagnosis is made by examining a piece of abnormal tissue under a microscope. This procedure, called a biopsy, determines if the tumor is cancerous. Treatment depends on whether tumors are limited to one site or organ in the body or whether cancer cells have spread. Surgery, radiation, drug therapy, or combinations of these treatments may be used (see Cancer [Cancer treatment]).
