Pediatric oncology is the medical specialty focused on cancers and related blood disorders in infants, children, and adolescents. It includes diagnosis, treatment, supportive care, and long-term follow-up after therapy. It is commonly delivered in children’s hospitals, pediatric cancer centers, and coordinated networks that include community clinics.
Neuro-oncology is the branch of cancer care focused on tumors of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. It also covers cancer that has spread to the central nervous system from elsewhere in the body. Neuro-oncology is commonly used in hospitals and cancer centers where neurology, neurosurgery, radiation oncology, and medical oncology work together. It aims to treat cancer while protecting neurologic function such as speech, movement, memory, and vision.
Genitourinary oncology is the branch of cancer care focused on cancers of the urinary system and male reproductive organs. It includes evaluation, diagnosis, staging, treatment, and follow-up for these cancers. It is commonly used in urology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology clinics. It also supports survivorship care and symptom management for people living with genitourinary cancers.
Gastrointestinal oncology is the area of cancer care focused on tumors of the digestive system. It covers cancers that start in organs such as the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, colon, rectum, and anus. It is commonly used in hospitals and cancer centers to coordinate diagnosis, staging, and treatment. It often involves a team of specialists working together to plan care.
Thoracic oncology is the part of cancer care focused on cancers in the chest (thorax). It commonly includes cancers of the lungs, pleura (lung lining), and mediastinum (central chest area). Thoracic oncology is used in hospitals and cancer centers to diagnose, stage, and treat these cancers. It is typically delivered by a multidisciplinary team that coordinates several specialties.
Breast oncology is the medical field focused on cancers that start in breast tissue. It includes diagnosis, staging, treatment, and follow-up care across the cancer journey. It is commonly delivered through multidisciplinary cancer centers and hospital-based oncology services. It also supports survivorship care and symptom-focused care when cure is not the goal.
Gynecologic oncology is a medical and surgical specialty focused on cancers of the female reproductive system. It commonly involves diagnosing, staging, and treating tumors of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vulva, and vagina. It is used in hospitals, cancer centers, and multidisciplinary clinics where complex cancer care is coordinated. It also supports patients through survivorship, symptom management, and follow-up after treatment.
Hematology-oncology is a medical specialty focused on cancers of the blood and related organs, and often on solid tumors as well. It combines hematology (blood disorders) and oncology (cancer care). It is commonly used in hospitals, cancer centers, and outpatient clinics for diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow-up.
Surgical oncology is the part of cancer care that uses surgery to diagnose, stage, and treat cancer. It includes operations to remove tumors, sample lymph nodes, and relieve cancer-related symptoms. It is commonly used in solid tumors such as breast, colorectal, lung, skin, and many gynecologic cancers. It is usually delivered as part of a multidisciplinary cancer team alongside medical and radiation oncology.
Radiation oncology is a medical specialty that treats cancer using radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses carefully planned high-energy beams or sources to target tumors. It is commonly used in hospitals and cancer centers as part of multidisciplinary cancer care. It can be used to control cancer, reduce recurrence risk, or relieve symptoms.