what is oncology department

The oncology department is a medical department that deals with the study, treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of cancer. The department is staffed by a team of healthcare professionals who specialize in cancer care and work together to create a patients overall treatment plan. The team is also known as the cancer care team, health care team, or multidisciplinary care team. The team is led by an oncologist, who is a doctor that specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer. There are three major areas of oncology based on treatments: medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. Medical oncologists treat cancer using medication, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Radiation oncologists treat cancer using radiation therapy, which is the use of high-energy x-rays or other particles to destroy cancer cells. Surgical oncologists treat cancer using surgery, including removing the tumor and nearby tissue during an operation. Other healthcare professionals who may be part of the oncology team include oncology nurses, oncology nurse practitioners, oncology physician assistants, and oncology clinical pharmacists. The team works closely with colleagues who specialize in internal medicine, radiology, medical genetics, neurology, pathology, and others to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and help tailor an appropriate, individualized care plan.