Oncology

Welcome to our oncology department, where we are committed to providing exceptional, comprehensive care for individuals diagnosed with cancer. Our department integrates cutting-edge technology with compassionate care to address a wide range of cancer types and stages. Our expert team of oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and support staff work collaboratively to deliver personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. We specialize in the diagnosis, management, and ongoing support for various cancers. From advanced imaging and precise diagnostic testing to state-of-the-art surgical interventions and targeted therapies, our  experts are equipped with the latest advancements in oncology. We focus not only on treating the cancer but also on enhancing overall well-being, providing supportive care services such as counseling, nutrition advice, and pain management to improve quality of life. Our patient-centered approach ensures that each individual receives comprehensive care in a supportive environment, helping them navigate their cancer journey with the best possible outcomes. For those seeking a trusted partner in their fight against cancer, our team stands ready to offer expertise, support, and a commitment to excellence in cancer care.

Surgery is often used to remove cancerous tumors or affected tissue. It can be performed as a primary treatment or in conjunction with other therapies.

  1. Tumor Resection: The removal of a tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue to ensure complete removal. This is commonly used for localized cancers such as breast or colorectal cancer.
  2. Debulking Surgery: The partial removal of a tumor when complete removal is not possible, aimed at reducing the tumor burden and improving the effectiveness of other treatments.
  3. Preventive Surgery (Prophylactic): Performed to reduce the risk of cancer in individuals with a high genetic risk, such as mastectomy for those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.

Radiation Therapy uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. It can be used as a primary treatment, adjuvant therapy, or for palliative care.

  1. External Beam Radiation: Delivers targeted radiation from outside the body using a machine. It is commonly used for tumors in specific locations such as the breast, prostate, or lung.
  2. Internal Radiation (Brachytherapy): Involves placing radioactive material inside or near the tumor. This method is often used for cancers of the cervix, prostate, or breast.
  3. Systemic Radiation: Uses radioactive substances administered orally or intravenously to target cancer cells throughout the body, often used for certain types of thyroid cancer or bone metastases.

Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells throughout the body. It can be administered orally or intravenously and is often used in combination with other treatments.

  1. Adjuvant Chemotherapy: Given after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
  2. Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Administered before surgery to shrink tumors and make them easier to remove.
  3. Palliative Chemotherapy: Used to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life in advanced or metastatic cancer.

Targeted Therapy uses drugs or other substances to specifically target and interfere with cancer cell growth mechanisms. These therapies are designed to target specific molecular changes in cancer cells.

  1. Monoclonal Antibodies: Laboratory-made molecules that can bind to cancer cells and mark them for destruction by the immune system or block signals that promote cancer growth.
  2. Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: Block enzymes that help cancer cells grow and divide, used for cancers such as chronic myeloid leukemia or non-small cell lung cancer.
  3. PARP Inhibitors: Target cancer cells with specific genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, to prevent them from repairing DNA damage.

Immunotherapy harnesses the body’s immune system to recognize and fight cancer cells. It includes various approaches to enhance the immune response against cancer.

  1. Checkpoint Inhibitors: Block proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking cancer cells, such as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors used for melanoma or lung cancer.
  2. CAR-T Cell Therapy: Involves modifying a patient’s own T cells to better recognize and attack cancer cells, often used for certain types of blood cancers.
  3. Cancer Vaccines: Designed to stimulate the immune system to recognize and fight specific cancer cells, either by targeting cancer-related antigens or by enhancing the immune response.

Hormone Therapy is used to treat cancers that are hormone-sensitive, such as breast and prostate cancer. It works by blocking the body’s natural hormones or altering hormone levels.

  1. Estrogen Receptor Modulators: Such as Tamoxifen, block estrogen receptors on cancer cells to slow or stop growth in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
  2. Aromatase Inhibitors: Reduce estrogen levels in the body, used for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
  3. Androgen Deprivation Therapy: Lowers levels of male hormones to slow the growth of prostate cancer.

Stem Cell Transplant (also known as bone marrow transplant) involves replacing damaged or destroyed bone marrow with healthy stem cells. It can be used to treat cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.

  1. Autologous Transplant: Uses the patient’s own stem cells, which are collected before treatment and reintroduced after chemotherapy or radiation.
  2. Allogeneic Transplant: Uses stem cells from a donor, which may be related or unrelated to the patient, to replace the cancerous bone marrow.

Breast cancer affects the tissues of the breast and is one of the most common cancers among women. Symptoms

  1. Lump or Mass: A noticeable lump or mass in the breast or underarm area.
  2. Change in Breast Shape: Alterations in the size or shape of the breast.
  3. Nipple Discharge: Unusual discharge from the nipple, which may be bloody or clear.
  4. Skin Changes: Dimpling, puckering, or redness of the breast skin.

Lung cancer originates in the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms

  1. Persistent Cough: A cough that does not go away or worsens over time.
  2. Chest Pain: Pain in the chest that may be persistent or worsen with breathing or coughing.
  3. Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling out of breath.
  4. Coughing Up Blood: Blood or rust-colored sputum when coughing.

Colorectal cancer affects the colon or rectum and is common in the digestive tract. Symptoms

  1. Change in Bowel Habits: Persistent diarrhea or constipation, or a change in stool consistency.
  2. Rectal Bleeding: Blood in the stool or on the toilet paper.
  3. Abdominal Pain: Cramping or pain in the abdominal area.
  4. Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant weight loss without a known cause.

Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland in men. Symptoms

  1. Frequent Urination: Increased need to urinate, especially at night.
  2. Difficulty Urinating: Trouble starting or stopping the urine stream.
  3. Blood in Urine or Semen: Presence of blood in the urine or semen.
  4. Painful Ejaculation: Discomfort or pain during ejaculation.

Ovarian cancer occurs in the ovaries and is often difficult to detect early. Symptoms

  1. Abdominal Swelling: Bloating or swelling in the abdominal area.
  2. Pelvic Pain: Persistent pain or discomfort in the pelvic region.
  3. Changes in Appetite: Reduced appetite or feeling full quickly after eating.
  4. Urinary Symptoms: Frequent or urgent need to urinate.

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Symptoms

  1. Fatigue: Extreme tiredness or weakness that does not improve with rest.
  2. Unexplained Bruising: Easy bruising or bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds.
  3. Frequent Infections: Recurrent infections or fever.
  4. Swollen Lymph Nodes: Swelling in lymph nodes, usually in the neck, armpits, or groin.

Lymphoma affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. Symptoms

  1. Swollen Lymph Nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes, often in the neck, armpits, or groin.
  2. Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant weight loss without a known cause.
  3. Fever and Night Sweats: Persistent fever and drenching night sweats.
  4. Persistent Fatigue: Ongoing fatigue or weakness.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that originates in the pigment-producing cells. Symptoms

  1. Change in Skin Moles: Changes in size, shape, or color of existing moles or new growths on the skin.
  2. Itchy or Bleeding Lesions: Lesions or moles that itch, bleed, or become painful.
  3. Dark or Irregular Spots: New dark spots or irregularly shaped patches on the skin.

Pancreatic cancer starts in the pancreas and is often diagnosed at a later stage. Symptoms

  1. Abdominal Pain: Persistent pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen.
  2. Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
  3. Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant weight loss without a known cause.
  4. Loss of Appetite: Decreased appetite or feeling full quickly.