What types of liquid tumors are primarily treated in hematologic oncology?

The primary focus of hematologic oncology is on liquid tumors, which are cancers that affect blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic systems. Leukemia and lymphoma are the two major types of liquid tumors.

Leukemia is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of blood cells, specifically white blood cells, in the bone marrow and bloodstream. This disrupts normal blood cell production and function, leading to various health complications.

Lymphoma, on the other hand, originates in the lymphatic system, an integral part of the immune system. Lymphomas occur when lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) grow abnormally and fail to die off as expected, leading to tumor formation in lymphoid tissues, such as lymph nodes and the spleen.

In contrast, the other options refer to solid tumors. Melanoma and sarcoma are types of cancers that affect specific solid tissues, such as skin and connective tissues, respectively. Cervical and prostate cancers, along with breast and lung cancers, also involve solid tumors arising from specific organ systems and not from hematological components. Thus, the focus of hematologic oncology remains on managing liquid tumors like leukemia and lymphoma, making this the correct response.