Origin Cancer was described in antiquity, but oncology organized as a distinct specialty over the twentieth century, built on surgical, radiotherapeutic and, from mid-century, chemotherapeutic advances.
Oncology is the branch of medicine dealing with the study, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Cancer itself was described as far back as ancient Egyptian medical papyri, but oncology as an organized specialty is a twentieth century development, built on advances in surgery, radiotherapy after the discovery of X-rays and radioactivity, and chemotherapy from the mid-twentieth century onward. This atlas records what the historical record supports and is not medical advice.
Facts
Origin PeriodCancer was described in antiquity, but oncology organized as a distinct specialty over the twentieth century, built on surgical, radiotherapeutic and, from mid-century, chemotherapeutic advances. 2 Classification
Type/Classification Oncology
Filter Results1 entry
Connections
Associated With
Lymphatic-system cancer; oncology specialty.
Plasma-cell cancer; oncology specialty.
Pathologists diagnose and classify cancers for oncologists
PET imaging helps diagnose and manage cancer alongside cardiac disease and neurological disorders.
Long-Form Articles
Notable Specialists
St. Jude was founded specifically for pediatric cancer research and treatment and remains one of the leading childhood cancer research centers in the world.
Source St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: History
Treats
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Medical specialty
WikipediaClassification tableQuote, Classification table
Medical specialties that focus on the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of disease.
2. A History of Medicine
Lois N. Magner, CRC Press
Encyclopaedia Britannica
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: History
St. Jude Children's Research HospitalNotable Specialists: St. Jude Children's Research HospitalView the Source Frequently Asked Questions
How old is the recognition of cancer?
Described in ancient Egyptian papyri, but oncology is twentieth century.
Cancer was described as far back as ancient Egyptian medical papyri, although oncology as an organized specialty is a twentieth century development.
What advances is oncology built on?
Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Oncology is built on advances in surgery, radiotherapy after the discovery of X-rays and radioactivity, and chemotherapy from the mid-twentieth century onward.
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