Medical oncology is the diagnosis and management of benign and malignant neoplasms. The

general internist should have a wide range of competencies in the evaluation and management of

neoplastic disease. He or she must be able to 1) identify patients at risk for malignancy and

counsel them regarding risk reduction and screening; 2) investigate clinical syndromes

suggestive of underlying malignancy; 3) undertake the palliative care of patients with common

solid and hematologic tumors; 4) identify neoplasms with a potential for cure and direct affected

patients to the appropriate centers or providers; and 5) participate in the difficult decisions

regarding all aspects of management, including diagnostic evaluation and screening, treatment

and palliative care. In addition, the general internist must be familiar with the administration,

side effects and drug interactions of therapeutic agents commonly used for the treatment of

malignant disease.

Whether a generalist assumes full responsibility for any or all of these functions will depend on

the clinical setting of his or her practice. The general internist should seek subspecialty

consultation early in the care of patients with malignant disease who may be candidates for

aggressive treatment with curative intent.

None specific to the discipline

nuclear studies