Origin: Greek suffix -ology
Oncology has 2 different meanings across 1 category:
the branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of tumors
"The hospital opened a new oncology department to specialize in the study and treatment of various types of tumors."
The branch of medicine concerned with tumors, including study of their development, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
"Dr. Lin chose to specialize in oncology because she was fascinated by the complex processes involved in tumor research and patient care."
In plain English: Oncology is the medical field that studies and treats diseases caused by cancer cells growing uncontrollably in the body.
"She decided to visit an oncologist after her recent diagnosis required specialized cancer care."
Usage: Oncology is the medical specialty dedicated to diagnosing and treating cancers rather than benign growths or general diseases. Use this term when referring specifically to physicians who manage tumor-related conditions instead of broader fields like surgery or internal medicine.
Oncology entered English in 1857 as a compound of the Greek word onkos, meaning "mass" or "tumor," and the suffix -logy. It was formed to describe the medical study of tumors and cancer.