oncology

/ɑnˈkɑlədʒi/

/ɒnˈkɒlədʒi/

Oncology is the branch of medicine that deals with tumors and cancer. A doctor who practices oncology is called an oncologist.

You probably think of cancer treatment as a modern practice, but the word oncology has its roots in ancient Greek. The prefix onkos means "mass or bulk” (and eventually evolved into the modern Latin onco — meaning tumor) and the suffix logy means “study of.” In theory, the word means “the study of tumors.” More often, though, you will hear oncology in relation to treatment and practical medicine, as opposed to just study or research.

Definitions of oncology

1. noun

   the branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of tumors
   type of:

   medical specialty, medicine

   the branches of medical science that deal with nonsurgical techniques