Surgical oncology is a branch of surgery focussing on the surgical management of tumours, malignant (cancerous) tumours in particular.
Surgery was historically the only cure for cancer, it is only relatively recently that non-surgical treatments have been used in conjunction with surgery or as an alternative to surgery to cure cancer. Modern surgical oncologists are cancer surgeons with a deep understanding of the biology of cancer, they treat both with surgery and in conjunction with a multidisciplinary team including colleagues from medical oncology, clinical oncology, pathology, and radiology.
Because of the varying natures and locations of different cancers, it is virtually impossible for one surgeon to specialize in surgery for every kind of tumor ; however, surgeons of any specialty who are thoroughly involved in performing operations to treat cancer/tumors may consider themselves surgical oncologists.
Surgical oncology essentially involves cutting the tumor or cancer out of the patient in a very delicate operation. Once the only option for curing a patient of cancer, the last century has seen the arrival of two sister branches of cancer care: medical oncology and radiation oncology. Medication and radiation are not enough for many cancers, and they are used in conjunction with surgery. Because of the advances in modern cancer care and cancer research, surgical oncology has also evolved. The oncological surgeon now typically leads multi-disciplinary teams, collaborating with radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, and others to counter cancer effectively. They must have a complete understanding of the biology and history of the disease.
Sometimes, a person’s cancer diagnosis is complex. In this case, the patient’s oncologist may ask a tumor board to review the case. In some cancer centers, a tumor board reviews all cancer cases.
A tumor board is a group of medical experts from all areas of cancer care who work together to decide the best treatment plan. The tumor board can include surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. Other specialists may be a part of the board as well. The members of the tumor board can provide diverse perspectives that can help you get the best care possible.
Surgical oncology-based research is critical for the advancement of our fundamental understanding of cancers (via basic research, optimal biosampling, and associated translational research), the development of novel surgical approaches and methodologies, and perioperative systemic therapy clinical trials.
Surgical oncologists are often the leaders of multidisciplinary teams – and more often than not, the first specialist to see a patient after the diagnosis of cancer has been made. Surgeons also innovate and research to improve cancer outcomes.
A surgical oncologist is a surgeon who is involved in cancer care through clinical practice, research, advocacy and education.
A surgical oncologist should have a deep understanding of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, anatomy, diagnosis, and treatment of the cancers they treat and an awareness of the knowledge, roles, and skills of the other health professionals involved in cancer care. They usually possess the highest level of technical skill to ensure the best possible outcomes and the communication skills to successfully relate to patients, colleagues, the community, and health funders.
FAQs
– What does a surgical oncologist do?
A surgeon who specialises in the surgical removal of malignant tumours is known as a surgical oncologist. They are essentially general surgeons who specialize in oncology and related surgical procedures for cancers. They are also trained to do particular types of biopsies to aid in the diagnosis of cancers. Malla Reddy Narayana Cancer Hospital, Suraram, near Bowenpally, Kompally, Jeedimetla, has the largest and most experienced team in North Hyderabad with specialized expertise in surgical oncology, radiational oncology, and advanced oncology diagnosis.
– What is the difference between an oncologist and a surgical oncologist?
A medical oncologist will use chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy to treat your cancer. Radiation therapy will be used to treat your cancer by a radiation oncologist. Tumours are removed surgically by a surgical oncologist. Malla Reddy Narayana Cancer Hospital near Kompally, Jeedimetla, is a state-of-the-art cancer facility and research institute that offers comprehensive treatment, preventive to palliative care for all types of medical, radiational, and surgical oncology treatments.
– What are the different types of surgery for cancer?
The method of surgical oncology procedure performed depends on the location and stage of cancer, as well as your overall health. Colectomy, craniotomy, cystectomy, mastectomy, hysterectomy, nephrectomy, laryngectomy, etc are some of the advanced surgical procedures that come under surgical oncology treatment. Malla Reddy Narayana Cancer Hospital, Suraram, near Jeedimetla, Kompally, offers the most affordable and accessible surgical oncology treatments with high success rates for the removal of cancerous tumours in the body.
– Does Onco mean cancer?
Yes, oncology literally translates to “a field of science dealing with tumours and cancers.” onco means “lump, mass, or tumour,” and -logy means “analysis or study”. Malla Reddy Narayana Cancer Hospital at Jeedimetla near Kompally offers comprehensive treatments for all types of cancers and is headed by a highly qualified team of oncologists and super-specialists who are available round-the-clock for diagnosing, treating, and providing therapy for cancer patients.
