MEDICAL ONCOLOGY

Medical oncology is a medical unit that provides services for the treatment processes and follow-up plans of patients diagnosed with cancer. In our medical oncology units, radiology, radiation oncology, pathology, surgical units, nuclear medicine and internal units cooperate with radiology, radiation oncology, pathology, surgical units, nuclear medicine and internal units within the framework of a multidisciplinary approach and participate in the successful execution of the patient's treatment process and follow-up of every stage of this process.  This process, which is carried out by specialist medical oncologists, starts with making all preparations for the patient to have a comfortable treatment phase. Depending on the size of the detected mass and its temperament, chemotherapy or drug treatment is selected and the treatment process continues.

In addition to cancer patients who need treatment, all tests and examinations of people with suspected cancer are carried out with precision. Thus, the cancer cell is diagnosed early and the treatment phase is started quickly. The chemotherapy process required for cancer treatment is performed on an outpatient basis in the medical oncology service. In cases where the general health condition of the patient does not allow outpatient treatment, inpatient treatment procedures are initiated with the approval of the specialist oncologist. The patient undergoing treatment is in constant communication with the doctor in order to access accurate information about the treatment stages from the time of hospitalisation. In addition, the patient's relatives can receive counselling from medical oncology nurses and clinical psychologists of the service to get more detailed information about the process.

Practices performed in the diagnosis and treatment processes in our Medical Oncology department:
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is a chemical treatment method used to kill fast growing cells in the body. Since cancer cells multiply much faster than other cells in the body, chemotherapy is used to treat cancer diseases. Chemotherapy drugs contain many chemicals and there are many drugs for different types of cancer. Depending on the type and level of cancer, different chemotherapy drugs can be used together. Although it is the most effective method that scientists have found for cancer treatment, the side effects of chemotherapy are quite severe for the human body. Side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of appetite are the mildest ones. Serious side effects can be listed as hair loss, mouth sores, easy bruising, fever and similar diseases. If the treatment continues for many years, damage to the lung tissue, heart problems, infertility, kidney problems, and the risk of another cancer may occur.

Pain Treatment (Algology):
Algological treatments are used to support the treatment of cancer patients. In chronic pain, all types of treatment can be used together. Drug therapy is used in the treatment of inflammation-related pain and muscle pain. Creams, lotions and sprays applied to the affected area are also an effective treatment method. In severe pain, medications such as muscle relaxants, anxiety medications, diazepam and antidepressants may be recommended. The number of drugs used in common joint pain is limited. Therefore, cancer-related joint pain is one of the most difficult types of pain to treat. However, epidural can be used for low back pain or spinal stenosis pain on the advice of a doctor. Pain can be quite severe in cancer. In such cases, even morphine is used instead of simple painkillers.

Symptomatic treatments:
The aim of symptomatic treatment is to eliminate the signs and symptoms of the disease. Although the main aim of this treatment is the comfort of the patient, the symptoms are also prevented from causing other diseases. Since there are many side effects in cancer, the symptoms that arise are also quite high. Symptomatic treatment can be applied so that the patient can better cope with the symptoms caused by cancer treatment. Pain in the body may occur as a result of a disease. However, by using painkillers, it is aimed to treat the symptom caused by the disease, not this disease. In addition, using anti-inflammatory drugs to eliminate inflammation that causes joint pain, using cough medicines or syrups for the treatment of cough that occurs when flu or cold can be given as examples of symptomatic treatment. The use of antihistamines in allergy diseases is also an example. It is also possible to use more than one medication to relieve symptoms. However, symptomatic treatment is often not a complete solution. Since the cause of the disease cannot be determined, the treatment of the actual disease may be delayed.

Psychological Support:
Cancer weakens the human body physically. Serious side effects such as hair loss and skin bruising negatively affect the patient's psychology. Cancer patients may have to cope with feelings such as fear, anxiety, panic, helplessness and depressive mood. For this reason, the patient may need psychological support while cancer treatment continues. The patient should not be alone during cancer treatment, should be constantly supported by family and friends and should receive professional support from expert psychologists. In some cases, it is important that the patient's relatives also benefit from this support. Thus, cancer treatment will be more effective and the patient will have a more comfortable treatment process.

Nutrition and Diet Support:
Cancer cells multiply uncontrollably and rapidly in the body. One of the most important causes of cancer diseases is nutrition. Unhealthy diet, excessive consumption of unhealthy fats and inactivity increase the risk of cancer. For these reasons, regular and healthy nutrition and an active life are prerequisites for a healthy life. Sweeteners and unhealthy sugars used today cause cancer cells to feed. The spread of cancer cells, which already multiply uncontrollably and rapidly, is thus accelerated. Nutrition and diet are also very important after the occurrence of cancer. Most cancer treatments cause loss of appetite. The patient therefore becomes malnourished and the already weak immune system weakens even more. It is necessary to have an adequate, healthy and balanced diet during cancer treatment in order to strengthen the body's immunity and to make cancer treatment more effective.

You can be treated at an early stage and prevent more serious complications that you may encounter in the future by having your disease controls regularly and showing the necessary sensitivity to the treatment plan recommended by your physician.