Neurooncology:

Neurooncology is the study of brain neoplasms. A neoplasm is a new growth or tissue in the body that serves no physiological function. Neoplasms are often referred to as tumors. Tumors usually arise from uncontrolled, rapid cellular proliferation. The abnormal new tissue growth that makes up a tumor can be either malignant or benign. Malignant refers to abnormal growths that will eventually lead to deterioration or death. Benign refers to tumors that are of a mild type that do not threaten health or life.

About Neurooncology:

How is neurooncology defined? Currently, neurooncology is one of the newest specialties of oncology. Neurooncology treats cancers affecting the primary central nervous system (CNS), CNS metastatis from other solid tumor malignancies, paraneoplastic syndromes, and peripheral neuropathies arising as a result of chemotherapy treatment.

Neurooncology is a multi-disciplinary specialty. It consists of: radiation therapy, neurosurgery and a neurooncology. This specialty is meant to accurately determine chemotherapy treatment regimen for the patient.

There are only a few specially educated neurooncologists in the United States. Their job is to strictly treat patients with CNS cancers or disorders as listed previously. When a neurooncologist is unavailable for treatment a patient with CNS tumors will generally be treated by a medical oncologist.

Medical oncologists are professionals that hold a specialty in oncology (the study of tumors). A medical oncologist can be defined as a physician that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers using the available therapies: chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, and targeted therapy. Medical oncologists often provide treatment as the general health care provider for patients with cancer. A medical oncologist can also provide supportive care as well as coordinating treatment of other specialists.

In comparison the National Cancer Institute defines the neurooncologist as a medical provider specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors/other tumors of the nervous system. Their specialty in tumors of the central nervous system increases the chances for quick, effective and accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Recovery from Neurooncology:

Neurooncology treatments typically have a wide variety of recovery time requirements. The time required for recovery depends upon the patient, the patient's condition, their response (or non-response) to treatment, the length of treatment, etc.