Oncology is the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis of cancer and therapies including surgery, chemotherapy, and other modalities. After successful treatment, an oncologist will follow up and offer palliative care of patients with terminal malignancies.
- Gynec & breast Oncology
- Head & Oncology,
- GI
- Thoracic
- Uro Oncology
What causes cancer?
We can roughly divide cancer risk factors into the following groups:
- biological or internal factors, such as age, gender, inherited genetic defects, and skin type.
- environmental exposure, for instance to radon and UV radiation, and fine particulate matter.
- occupational risk factors, including carcinogens such as many chemicals, radioactive materials, and asbestos.
- lifestyle-related factors.
Lifestyle-related factors that cause cancer include:
- tobacco
- alcohol
- UV radiation in sunlight
- some food-related factors, such as nitrites and polyaromatic hydrocarbons generated by barbecuing food).
Cancer-causing factors related to work and living environments include:
- asbestos fibers
- tar and pitch
- polynuclear hydrocarbons (e.g. benzopyrene)
- Some metal compounds
- Some plastic chemicals (e.g. Vinyl chloride)
Bacteria and viruses can cause cancer:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori, which causes gastritis)
- HBV, HCV (hepatitis viruses that cause hepatitis)
- HPV (human papillomavirus, papillomavirus, which causes changes eg. Cervical cells)
- EBV (Epstein-Barr virus, the herpes virus that causes inflammation of the throat lymphoid)
Radiation can cause cancer:
- ionizing radiation (e.g. X-ray radiation, soil radon)
- non-ionized radiation (the sun’s ultraviolet radiation)
Some drugs may increase the risk of cancer:
- certain antineoplastic agents
- certain hormones
- medicines that cause immune deficiency
In 5 – 10 percent of breast cancer, genetic predisposition plays an important role in the emergence of the disease.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms caused by cancer will vary depending on what part of the body is affected.
Some general signs and symptoms associated with, but not specific to, cancer, include:
- Fatigue
- Lump or area of thickening that can be felt under the skin
- Weight changes, including unintended loss or gain
- Skin changes, such as yellowing, darkening, or redness of the skin, sores that won’t heal, or changes to existing moles
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Persistent cough or trouble breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating
- Persistent, unexplained muscle or joint pain
- Persistent, unexplained fevers or night sweats
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising
When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any persistent signs or symptoms that concern you.
If you don’t have any signs or symptoms, but are worried about your risk of cancer, discuss your concerns with your doctor. Ask about which cancer screening tests and procedures are appropriate for you.
Doctors Available
Dr. Venkatachala K
Consultant Surgical Oncologist
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