Medical Oncology involves the use of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormonal therapy to treat cancer. It plays a crucial role in stopping cancer cells from growing, shrinking tumors, and preventing recurrence.
Medical Oncology is effective for a wide range of cancers, including breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, and many more. The treatment approach depends on the type, stage, and individual patient needs
No, apart from chemotherapy, medical oncology also includes advanced treatments like targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy, which can be more precise and have fewer side effects.
Side effects vary based on the type of treatment and individual response. While chemotherapy may cause hair loss, nausea, and fatigue, newer treatments like immunotherapy and targeted therapy often have milder side effects. Your oncologist will guide you on managing them effectively.
The duration of treatment varies depending on the type and stage of cancer. It can range from a few weeks to several months or longer. Your oncologist will provide a personalized treatment plan.
Hemato-Oncology is a specialized field that focuses on diagnosing and treating blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. It also deals with blood disorders like anemia and clotting diseases.
Common blood cancers include:
✔ Leukemia – Cancer of blood-forming tissues
✔ Lymphoma – Cancer of the lymphatic system (Hodgkin’s & Non-Hodgkin’s)
✔ Multiple Myeloma – Cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow
Symptoms like unexplained fatigue, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, swollen lymph nodes, or persistent fever could indicate a blood disorder. A hematologist can diagnose it through blood tests and bone marrow examinations.
Hemato-Oncology treatments include:
✔ Chemotherapy – To kill or slow cancer cells
✔ Targeted Therapy – Precision medicine that attacks cancer at a molecular level
✔ Immunotherapy – Boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer
✔ Bone Marrow Transplant – Replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells
Not always! While a bone marrow transplant (BMT) can be curative in some cases, many patients achieve long-term remission with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Your doctor will determine the best approach for you.
An oncological emergency is a life-threatening condition that arises due to cancer or its treatment. It requires urgent medical attention to prevent serious complications or fatal outcomes.
Some of the most critical oncological emergencies include:
✔ Febrile Neutropenia – High fever due to low white blood cell count
✔ Spinal Cord Compression – Severe back pain, paralysis risk
✔ Superior Vena Cava Syndrome – Swelling in the face and difficulty breathing
✔ Hypercalcemia of Malignancy – High calcium levels causing confusion, kidney issues
Seek immediate medical help if you have:
✔ High fever or chills (possible infection)
✔ Severe shortness of breath
✔ Sudden paralysis or loss of sensation
✔ Severe nausea, vomiting, or confusion
✔ Uncontrolled bleeding or bruising
Febrile neutropenia happens when chemotherapy weakens your immune system, making even minor infections life-threatening. A high fever in a cancer patient is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
Do not wait! Immediately call your doctor or rush to the emergency department at Narayana Cancer Centre for urgent medical care.