What is Surgical Oncology?
Surgical oncology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the surgical management of cancer. It includes the removal of tumors, biopsies for diagnosis, and staging cancer. Surgical oncologists work collaboratively with other specialists, including medical and radiation oncologists, to provide comprehensive cancer care.
Diagnostic Methods in Surgical Oncology
Key diagnostic techniques include:
- Biopsy: Removal and microscopic examination of tissue to confirm cancer.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, MRI, PET scans, and ultrasounds to locate and evaluate tumors.
- Blood Tests: Includes tumor markers and genetic testing.
- Endoscopy: Using a flexible tube with a camera to examine internal organs.
- Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): Extracting tissue samples with a thin needle.
- Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: Identifying and removing lymph nodes for examination, commonly used in breast cancer and melanoma.
These methods often complement each other to determine cancer type, stage, and treatment options.
Cancer Types Treated in Surgical Oncology
Surgical oncologists handle a wide range of cancers, including:
- Breast Cancer: Lumpectomy or mastectomy.
- Prostate Cancer: Prostatectomy.
- Colorectal Cancer: Colectomy or proctectomy.
- Ovarian Cancer: Hysterectomy or oophorectomy.
- Lung Cancer: Lobectomy or pneumonectomy.
- Pancreatic Cancer: Pancreaticoduodenectomy or total pancreatectomy.
- Head and Neck Cancers: Surgery for throat, mouth, or salivary gland cancers.
- Brain Tumors: Removing primary or metastatic brain tumors.
Treatment Options in Surgical Oncology
- Curative Surgery:
- Goal: Remove cancerous tissue completely.
- Example: Mastectomy for breast cancer, nephrectomy for kidney cancer.
- Lymph Node Dissection: Removes lymph nodes to check for cancer spread.
- Reconstructive Surgery: Restores appearance or function post-cancer surgery (e.g., breast reconstruction).
- Palliative Surgery: Eases symptoms like pain or breathing difficulties to improve quality of life.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: Uses small incisions (e.g., laparoscopic surgery) for shorter recovery times and fewer complications.
- Adjuvant Therapy: Post-surgery treatments to prevent recurrence, including chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.
- Neoadjuvant Therapy: Pre-surgery treatments to shrink tumors, making them easier to remove.
Why Consult a Surgical Oncologist?
- For an expert approach to removing tumors and diagnosing cancer stages.
- To explore minimally invasive options and comprehensive post-operative care.
- For collaboration with a multidisciplinary team for an all-encompassing cancer treatment plan.
Early consultation with a specialist can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
