An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer. But where does this word come from? It all has to do with a monster from long ago!

Oncology: The word “oncologist” comes from the word “oncology,” which is the study and treatment of cancer.

Onkos: “Oncology” itself has its roots in the ancient Greek word “onkos,” which means “mass” or “bulk.” Imagine a large, bulging tumorA tumor is a lump or abnormal mass of tissue that grows in the body. It’s like a bump that shouldn’t be there. While some tumors are harmless, others can be serious and even life-threatening. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand them better: The Root of the Word: The… Read More!

Greek Link to Cancer: Early Greek physicians likened cancerousImagine your body as a well-organized society, where each cell plays a specific role. Cancer disrupts this harmony, as a group of cells goes rogue, breaking the rules of normal growth and function. These renegade cells multiply uncontrollably, forming tumors that invade and damage surrounding tissues. Origins of the Word… Read More tumors to a crab due to their spreading shape, so “onkos” became associated with these abnormalWhat does “abnormally” mean?”Abnormally” means something is different from what’s usual, regular, or expected. It’s like something is out of the ordinary. Imagine you have a line of evenly spaced trees. If one tree is much taller or shorter than the others, it would look “abnormally” tall or short. Here’s… Read More growths.

So, an oncologist is literally someone who studies and treats these “onkos” or masses, which we now know as cancer.