Medical oncology is an internal medicine specialty dealing with both the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. This specialty treats various forms of cancer by means of drugs and related interventions that include biological response modifiers, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.

Medications are used by a medical oncologist, and act by selectively destroying cancer cells - thereby allowing normal cells and tissues to regain their ability to function. Medical oncology treatment can be used on its own or in conjunction with other forms of oncology treatment, such as radiation oncology or surgery.

Procedure information
Medical oncology employs chemotherapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy and also targeted therapies aimed at destroying cancerous cells that may be spreading from the original cancer site to other places in the body. A medical oncologist is a physician trained as an internal medicine specialist who further specializes in cancer treatment.

The cancer patient’s care is managed by the medical oncologist, who possesses expertise in the management of pain, the treatment of side effects related to chemotherapy, and psychological support. This specialist may also have special interests in particular types of cancer and related therapies. Overall it is the medical oncologist who has the necessary skills, training, and experience to be able to provide the most up-to-date information and treatment options for the many types of cancer.

Recovery time
Treatments for cancer are often provided in cycles. For example, a period of treatment is followed by a recovery period and then another treatment. When chemotherapy is indicated, treatments can be administered in various settings. In fact, most treatment is administered in an outpatient setting – in a doctor’s office or a clinic. In some cases, hospitalization may be required.

Recovery times for medical oncology patients can vary greatly and will depend on the seriousness of the disease, the type of treatment required and the overall health of the patient.