Definition of Cancer care Cancer care: Taking care of cancer.
When cancer is suspected, a biopsy is usually performed and the
tissue is sent to a pathologist for evaluation. If a cancer
diagnosis is made, an oncologist will evaluate the patient to
determine the stage of the cancer. Staging usually involves a
precise evaluation of the tumor, lymph nodes, and any metastasis
(spread) of the disease. Cancer is ideally treated by a multi-
disciplinary team of oncologists that typically includes at
least two of the three primary oncology disciplines (medical,
surgical, and radiation oncology). In addition, the team usually
includes a pathologist, a diagnostic radiologist and an oncology
nurse. The advantage of the team approach is that it combines
the unique skill sets of several different disciplines into one
consulting group, as cancer treatment frequently involves a
combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. In the case
of a new or difficult cancer diagnosis, a tumor board may be
called upon to review t