Choose the nearest meaning of the underlined item.
His father is an oncologist.
Answer Options :

The correct answer is Option B (One who studies tumours in the body.).

Key Points:
• This question evaluates medical vocabulary and one-word substitutions.
• Option 2 is correct. An 'oncologist' is a medical practitioner or researcher who specializes in the diagnosis, study, and treatment of tumors and cancer. The root word 'onco-' comes from the Greek word *onkos*, meaning mass, bulk, or tumor.
• Option 1 describes an epidemiologist (study of disease outbreaks/pandemics). Option 3 describes a nephrologist (study of kidneys). Option 4 describes a trichologist (study of hair and scalp).
• MPSC regularly tests specialized professions, especially medical branches (e.g., cardiologist, dermatologist, pediatrician). Learn the basic Greek/Latin roots (-logy = study of).
• Key Takeaway: Remember: Oncology is the study and treatment of tumors (cancer).