Dr. David J. Ernst - What is Medical Oncology?
David J. Ernst, DO, is a seasoned medical oncologist who diagnoses and treats patients at The University of Kansas Cancer Center in Kansas City, MO. Furthermore, he has staff memberships at several local hospitals, including North Kansas City Hospital in Kansas City, MO. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Ernst is... more
What is Medical Oncology?
Medical oncology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer. An oncologist provides medical care for a patient diagnosed with cancer. They lead a cancer treatment team of various healthcare professionals, coordinate treatment plans, and prescribe medical treatments.
Lung Cancer. Lung cancer is cancer that develops in tissues of the lung, typically in the cells that line the air passages. There are two main types, small cell lung cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment will depend on which type of lung cancer you have and may include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
Gastrointestinal Cancer. Gastrointestinal cancer includes all cancers in your digestive tract organs. The common types are anal cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, esophageal cancer, gallbladder cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, small intestine cancer, and stomach cancer. The treatment depends on which type of GI cancer you have.
Hematology. The most common blood cancer malignancies include leukemias, lymphomas, and myelomas. These malignancies can be treated with stem cell transplants, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Benign blood disorders include anemia, blood clotting disorders, and bleeding disorders. These hematologic disorders are usually treated with medication and lifestyle changes.
