Surgical oncology is the use of surgical intervention to treat cancer. Surgical oncology procedures are performed to remove cancerous tumors. Surgical oncology procedures can be used individually to treat cancer or it can be performed in combination with other treatments. Surgery can help cancer care team members to diagnose cancer, stage cancer, and plan other types of treatment you may need.
Not all cancers can be treated using surgical oncology procedures. In the case of blood cancers, there is no tumor or mass to remove with surgery, whereas, in some cases, patients may not be healthy enough to undergo surgery. For others, the tumor may not be safe to remove without causing problems for the patient. Your surgical oncology team will help decide if you require surgery or not.
Surgical Oncology procedures in cancer care are used to:-
- Diagnose and stage a cancer
- Remove the whole tumor or mass
- Remove some, but not all of the tumor. A surgical oncologist may not be able to safely remove all cancerous mass because it could harm other body parts.
- Ease symptoms caused by the cancer
- To return or change the body’s condition after a surgical procedure.
The Role of An Oncologist
A surgical oncologist is a specialist surgeon who has expertise and training in treating cancer. Your surgical oncologist may be called in to diagnose cancer using a biopsy. Surgical oncologists also treat cancer by performing surgical oncology procedures to remove tumors or other cancerous tissue. An oncologist manages a patient’s care throughout the course of the disease This starts with the diagnosis wherein the role includes explaining the cancer diagnosis and stage to the patient and family, talking about treatment options, delivering quality and compassionate care, helping a patient manage the symptoms and side effects of treatment.
Different types of doctors often work together to create an overall treatment plan that combines various types of treatments. For instance, a patient may need a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
If you are suffering from any type of cancer or your specialist doctor refers you to visit one, search for “surgical oncologist near me” and book an appointment immediately.
Types of Oncologists
- Medical Oncologists These specialists treat cancer using chemotherapy, hormonal therapies, biological therapies, and other targeted treatments. They help their patients manage side effects, monitor and maintain well being.
- Radiation Oncologists These specialist uses high-energy photon beams to target and destroy cancerous cells while preventing damage to healthy tissue.
- Surgical Oncologists A surgical oncologist may be one of the first doctors you’ll visit if your primary care physician suspects you have cancer. These specialists often perform biopsies, removing a small section of tissue for further examination. If cancer cells are found, then you might see the surgical oncologist again, this time to discuss your treatment options and if required, to have a surgical oncology procedure. The surgeon will help you prepare and recover from any surgical oncology procedures you have during your cancer treatment.
- Pediatric Oncologists These specialists diagnose and treat children who are suffering from cancer. Some pediatric oncologists specialize in certain types of cancer while others focus on conducting research on childhood cancers. A significant part of their work is to educate the families of children undergoing treatment for cancer.
