ONCOLOGY

Introduction

Oncology is a branch of science that deals with study of tumors or cancers. The individual who studies tumor is referred as Oncologists. The most difficult and initiative part of Oncology nursing is the cancer diagnosis. When a person is found to be infected, then screening of cancer and proper implementation of treatment methodologies is essential. After a successful completion of treatment, the patient should have regular follow up nursing practice. If tumor is malignant, then palliative care should be administered. It should not be ceased by screening the affected individuals. The screening should be extended to his/her relatives and surrounding environment as it can transmit from individual to individual via heredity where genetic material informations are transmitted.

Diagnosis of cancer

The symptoms of cancer are similar as other viral infections. Hence, in most cases, it is not predictable at earlier stage of infection. Oncoviruses are characterized by the presence of unpredicted anaemia, weight loss, tiresome, fatigue. There are varieties of diagnostic methods available for cancer as mentioned below.

• Biopsy: cells or tissues are taken for examination. It can be either excision biopsy or incision biopsy or needle aspiration biopsy.
• Endoscopy to examine hallow cavity in the body.
• Use of scanning techniques like X-ray, radiography, MRI scanning and Ultrasound scanning.
• Scintigraphy
• Tumor markers
• Tomography

Cancer treatment

Depending on infection stage, the treatment can be administered. Initial treatment is performing blood test and physical examination of an individual. Mostly cancerous cells are removed by surgical treatment. This completely removes the infected cells. It is limited for smaller infected areas.

Debulking is carried to reduce the quantity of tumor cells. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and adjuvant therapy are carried out as first line treatment. Manipulation of hormones, vaccines, immunotherapy and antibody production may reduce the inflammation of cancerous cells.

Oncology nursing

After cancer therapies, follow up check up has to be done. When symptoms of cancer are not reduced after treatment, then palliative care should be administered. Specialized nurses are allotted to take care of cancer patients. Certified oncology nursing courses in the name of Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) are available.