Introduction to Oncology Courses
“Onco” is a word that means a mass or bulk and usually refers to tumors. “-logy” of course means study. So simply put “Oncology” refers to the study of tumours particularly cancerous growth. It is a specialized branch of medicine that deals with the treatment of cancer. A common illness today, the world has millions of sufferers and survivors of cancer. Clinical Oncology Courses can be further classified based on the specialization in Surgical, Medical and Radiation treatment of the cancerous cells. Oncologists or cancer specialists are helping in the diagnosis, staging and grading of the cancer. This ensures that the most accurate line of treatment can be followed for the patient.
Different Types of Oncology Courses
Read about Oncology Courses
Clinical Oncology Courses can be further classified into Medical, Radiation and Surgical Oncology. Each course deals with a specific line of treatment of the cancerous cells. Medical Oncology Courses, teach medical methods of treating cancer and includes chemotherapy. Under chemotherapy the patient is prescribed a cocktail of drugs to suppress the growth of cancerous cells and the hormones that stimulate their growth. Surgical Oncology Courses deal with the surgical treatment of cancer and includes biopsy, staging & grading. Surgically sectioning the tumours is also a part of surgical oncology. Oncology Courses in radiation deal with the therapeutic use of radiation in the treatment of cancer. Each of these branches of oncology need to be in sync to help the person undergoing cancer treatment.
Eligibility for Oncology Courses
Oncology is a super-specialized branch of medicine. Since Oncology Courses are Post Graduate courses, any medical practitioner looking at specializing in oncology needs to have a basic degree in medicine (MBBS). Allied medical personal or para medical staff associated with cancer treatment can include radiologists and surgeons who need to have successfully completed their basic qualification courses before starting out on the specialization in oncology.
How to apply for Oncology Courses
All applicants to post graduate or post diploma (for radiologists) need to have successfully completed their graduation in medicine or surgery for doctors and surgeons. A diploma or graduation in radiology is required by radiologists wishing to join Oncology Courses. The basic guidelines that need to be followed for the admission process can be found on the website or obtained from the respective departments of the institution.
Scope/pay scale for Oncology Courses
A super specialization, students interested in the treatment and care of cancer patients enroll in Oncology Courses. An oncologist is responsible for the complete treatment and care of a patient diagnosed with cancer. Surgical oncologists grade the cancer and determine the stage. Medical and radiation oncologists plan the line of treatment like surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or their various combinations. After initial therapy, oncologist’s periodic follow-up with patients to detect remission or relapse and ensuring that the survivor is cancer free. In case of terminal illness, the oncologist is responsible for the symptomatic and palliative care of the patient. Monetary remuneration is similar to that for most medical specializations. The emotional satisfaction of helping cancer patients to overcome the disease or providing solace during the last days for terminally ill patients cannot be measured.