[Fundamentals of applied oncology]

The fundamentals of applied oncology involve essential aspects: Intensive cancer prevention is necessary, which may be achieved by the elimination of certain environmental factors and the early recognition of premaligant and maligant growth processes, including an intensive fight against neglect and an extended health education. The WHO classification is an internationally understandable nomenclature. It is established and commented upon with regard to its specific application in practice. The importance of the dignity of tumour classes and types to prognosis and therapy is indicated. It is arranged in 7 qualities of dignity with corresponding types of neoplasms, with regard to transitional types between benign and malignant tumours. The definition of 4 tumoral stages according to the TNM system is intended for obtaining patient groups which permit to compare therapeutical results. The principle and application of the different therapeutical possibilites (surgical intervention, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonotherapy, virus therapy, immunotherapy and complex treatment) are outlined. The rehabilitation and the after-care are of deciding individual, vocational and social importance to the resocialization of the tumour patients.