Oncology is the medical study of cancer. A physician who practices oncology is called an oncologist. Oncologists are of two kinds – medical oncologists (specialists who use medications to treat and manage patients with cancer. This includes the use of chemotherapy to kill cancer cells, painkillers to manage cancer pain, and drugs that will eliminate or reduce the side effects of cancer treatment), and radiation oncologists (specialists who use therapeutic applications of radiation to manage cancer and other diseases. Radiation oncologists determine the type of radiation that will be used, as well as the amount or dose, and the number and length of treatments, as each patient’s case is unique).

There are over a hundred different types of cancer, all unique with their own symptoms or characteristics. Sometimes cancer gives no symptoms or signs that exclusively indicate the disease. At other times symptoms for cancer may explain a harmless condition as well. It is thus difficult to say exactly when a person is affected by this disease. But since we do know that it is important that cancer be detected as early as possible before it spreads, we should consult a physician if we have symptoms that are also common to cancer.

We give below some symptoms, along with what they may be due to.

OPersistent cough or blood in saliva: Cancer of lung, head, and neck.

Change in bowel habits: Colon cancer.

Blood in stool: Cancer of the intestines.

Unexplained anemia: Several different types of cancer.

Breast lump or breast discharge: Breast cancer.

Lumps in the testicles: Cancer of the testicle.

Change in urination: Prostate cancer in men.

Blood in urine: Cancer of the bladder or kidney.

Hoarseness: Cancer of the throat.

Persistent lumps or swollen glands: Cancer of the skin or gland.

Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing: Cancer of the esophagus.

Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge: Cancer of the uterus, ovaries, or cervix.

Unexpected weight loss, night sweats or fever: Several different types of cancer.

Non-healing sores: Several different types of cancer.

Severe headaches or dizziness: Brain cancer.

Besides these, there are certain symptoms that are common to most cancers. These include: fatigue, weight loss, fever, changes to the skin, and pain.

If you have any of the symptoms given above, you must consult a physician as soon as possible for evaluation.

A list of oncologists in Oahu has been compiled for you by Oahu.us. Consult an oncologist closest to your location in Oahu.