Oncology
Oncology is the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Oncologists receive extensive, specialized training to care for patients. Treatments may include a combination of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, medication and/or surgery.
Oncologists in Florida
The news of a cancer diagnosis can lead to a long journey, but that doesn't mean you need to go through it alone.
At HCA Florida Physicians — a network of physician practices across the state — we're here to walk alongside you in the fight against cancer. Our doctors are highly trained in many different fields of oncology, ensuring you receive the specialized care that is right for you. From gynecologic cancer to lung cancer, our highly skilled physicians are dedicated to providing you with compassionate care in a wide range of specialty areas.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties.
Types of cancer we treat
Different types of cancer require different types of specialists. So, we provide access to oncologists who are experienced in treating a wide range of cancers, including:
- Bone cancer
- Breast cancer
- Brain cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Gastrointestinal cancer
- Gynecologic cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Lung cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Sarcoma
- Skin cancer
Sarcoma
Sarcoma is the name for cancerous tumors in the body’s connective tissue. They are separated into two main groups — bone sarcomas (tumors in the bone) and soft tissue sarcomas (tumors in the muscle, cartilage, nerves, fat, blood vessels and deep skin tissue).
Bone sarcomas
Bone cancer, or malignant bone tumors, are masses that tend to increase rapidly in size. Bone cancer can begin in any bone in the body, but it most commonly affects the pelvis or the bones in the arms and legs.
Cancerous bone tumors often have the ability to spread to other parts of the body. However, it is also important to note that the term "bone cancer" doesn't include cancers that begin elsewhere in the body and spread (metastasize) to the bone. Instead, those cancers are named for where they began.
Signs and symptoms of bone cancer
Although there is currently no known way to prevent bone cancer, it can be helpful to know the signs and symptoms. You may want to make an appointment with a specialist if you experience:
- Bone pain
- Fatigue
- Swelling and tenderness near the affected area
- Unintended weight loss
- Weakened bone, leading to fracture
Soft tissue sarcomas
Similar to bone tumors, tumors of the soft tissue can occur anywhere in the body, but they most often occur in the arms, legs or abdomen.
Signs and symptoms of soft tissue sarcomas
You may want to schedule an appointment with a doctor if you notice:
- A lump that is growing in size or becomes painful
- A lump of any size that is located deep within a muscle
- Recurrence of a lump that has been removed
Preventive screenings for cancer
When it comes to treating cancer, preventive medicine is often the best medicine. Because of this, routine screenings can make all the difference in when cancer is detected and how it is treated. This is because cancer can be more easily treated when it is detected early.
Our doctors offer routine screenings for many types of cancer, including:
- Breast cancer screenings
- Colorectal cancer screenings
- Gynecologic cancer screenings
- Lung cancer screenings
Cancer treatments and services
Cancer can occur anywhere in the body, which means it takes a true expert to treat it. Your oncologist not only needs to understand how cancer works in general but also how it functions differently depending on the location.
Because of this, effective cancer care includes a comprehensive plan for treatment. That's why our doctors partner with each other and you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique situation and makes you feel secure in your care.
Some of our treatments include:
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is a common type of cancer treatment that is used to shrink or destroy a tumor. During radiation therapy, beams of energy are aimed directly at the tumor. This allows for increased precision during treatment and also spares more surrounding healthy tissue.
The goal of radiation therapy is to not only shrink the tumor, but also prevent cancer from spreading to the rest of the body. Some normal cells may be damaged by the radiation, but unlike cancer cells, most normal cells will recover.
Surgery
In many cases, surgery is an effective treatment option for cancer. Surgery can be used to remove a tumor. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the entire organ affected by cancer, such as the prostate or uterus, if the cancer is likely to spread.
Complementary cancer support
Our doctors may also offer or be able to refer you for additional cancer treatments that complement your primary treatment method, including:
- Cancer rehabilitation
- Cancer support services
- Infusion therapy, including chemotherapy
Our cancer specialists
At HCA Florida Physicians, our highly trained oncologists are prepared for the fight against cancer. We offer access to teams of cancer care experts who will work together on behalf of the most important person in the room — you.
Some of our specialists include:
- Hematologists
- Medical oncologists
- Pathologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Radiologists
- Surgeons
- Surgical oncologists
Additionally, as a part of HCA Florida Healthcare, they can easily collaborate with other specialists within the network to ensure you receive the best possible care