Cancer & Oncology
Cancer is a group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and can spread to other parts of the body. Oncology is the medical field devoted to its diagnosis, staging and treatment — combining surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted drugs, usually planned together by a multidisciplinary tumor board.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Cancer can begin in almost any tissue or organ and is named for where it starts — for example breast, lung, colon or prostate cancer. Modern oncology treats it as a highly individual disease: the same organ can be affected by tumors that behave very differently, so accurate diagnosis, staging and molecular profiling are the foundation of effective treatment.
Because few cancers are managed by a single specialty, leading centers use a multidisciplinary tumor board in which medical, surgical and radiation oncologists, radiologists and pathologists review each case together. This ensures the plan reflects every appropriate option — and increasingly includes immunotherapy and targeted therapies matched to the tumor's biology.
For patients travelling for cancer care, accurate pathology and imaging are essential before any decision. A remote second opinion on slides and scans can confirm the diagnosis and clarify whether the proposed plan is right before committing to travel and treatment.
Common conditions we treat
Gynecologic cancers
Cancers of the ovary, uterus and cervix, where surgery and chemotherapy are central to treatment.
Symptoms
- A new lump or thickening anywhere in the body
- Unexplained weight loss or persistent fatigue
- Changes in a mole, or a sore that does not heal
- Persistent cough or hoarseness
- Blood in the stool, urine or when coughing
- A change in bowel or bladder habits
- Difficulty swallowing or persistent indigestion
- Unusual bleeding or discharge
- Night sweats or unexplained fever
When to seek care
See a doctor promptly for any unexplained lump, persistent bleeding, unintentional weight loss or a symptom that lasts more than two to three weeks — early diagnosis greatly improves cancer outcomes.
How we diagnose
- Tissue biopsy and pathology review
- Imaging — CT, MRI and ultrasound
- PET-CT for staging and treatment planning
- Tumor markers and laboratory blood tests
- Endoscopy and colonoscopy
- Molecular and genetic tumor profiling
How we treat it
Treatment is tailored to your diagnosis. Explore the procedures we offer for this area:
Where you'll be treated
Care for this area is led by our Comprehensive Oncology Center.
Learn more
Plain-language, provider-reviewed articles on tests, procedures and symptoms in our Health Library.
Cancer & Oncology — frequently asked questions
Common warning signs include a new lump, unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, unusual bleeding, a change in bowel or bladder habits, a sore that does not heal or a change in a mole. These symptoms are often caused by something harmless, but any that persist beyond two to three weeks should be checked by a doctor.
Diagnosis usually combines imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound) with a tissue biopsy examined by a pathologist. Staging — which describes how far the cancer has spread — often uses PET-CT and determines whether treatment focuses on surgery, radiotherapy, systemic drug therapy or a combination.
The main options are surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy, frequently used in combination. A multidisciplinary tumor board reviews each case so that the plan reflects the tumor type, stage and biology rather than a single specialist's view.
Yes. Sharing your pathology slides, reports and imaging allows specialists to provide an independent expert opinion remotely. This confirms the diagnosis and clarifies whether the proposed treatment plan is appropriate before you commit to travel.
Many cancers are curable, particularly when found early and localized. Even when a cure is not possible, treatment can often control the disease for long periods and relieve symptoms. The outlook depends heavily on the cancer type, its stage at diagnosis and how it responds to treatment.
It depends entirely on the treatment. A single surgery may require a stay of one to two weeks, while chemotherapy or radiotherapy can run over several weeks. Your coordinator provides an expected timeline and the number of visits before you travel.
Concerned about cancer & oncology?
Share your reports for a free, no-obligation second opinion and a transparent cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.