Overview
Surgical oncology is a medical specialty that uses surgery to treat cancer. Its primary goal is to locate and remove harmful tumours in your body. Surgical oncologists can also tell you if you have cancer and if it has spread to other parts of your body.
Surgical Oncologists are doctors who specialise in cancer research, prevention, and treatment. They work with your primary care doctor to create a treatment plan for you. Surgical oncologists treat your cancer with surgery.. Their primary responsibility is to remove tumours and nearby tissue that contains cancer cells. They also perform biopsies, which determine whether or not you have cancer and what type it is.
When Is Surgical Oncologist Necessary?
- Surgical oncologists play a key role when cancer is detected early or before it develops.
- They may remove tissues in individuals with strong genetic or family risk (e.g., breast/ovarian cancer genes).
- Their procedures help stop the disease from spreading or progressing.
What Cancers Are Treated by Surgical Oncologists?
Breast
Cancers originating in breast tissue, often treated with surgery to remove tumors or affected tissue.
Esophagus
Cancer that forms in the esophagus, the tube connecting the throat to the stomach, often requiring surgical removal.
Head & Neck
Cancers affecting the mouth, throat, larynx, or other head and neck regions, frequently managed with surgical intervention.
Thyroid
Cancer of the thyroid gland, commonly treated by surgical removal of part or all of the gland.
Skin
Includes melanoma and other skin cancers, often treated by excising cancerous lesions.
Lung
Cancer that begins in the lungs, sometimes requiring surgery to remove tumors or lung tissue.
Gallbladder
Cancer of the gallbladder, typically managed by surgical removal of the gallbladder.
Kidney
Cancer that starts in the kidneys, often treated by partial or complete removal of the kidney.
Pancreas
Cancer of the pancreas, sometimes requiring complex surgical procedures for tumor removal.
Spine
Cancers affecting the spinal column or cord, which may need surgical intervention for tumor removal or stabilization.
Uterus
Cancer of the uterus, often treated by surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy).
Bones
Bone cancers, such as osteosarcoma, frequently require surgery to remove tumors and preserve function.
Colon
Cancer of the colon or large intestine, commonly managed by surgical resection of the affected segment.
What Is The Objective Of Surgical Oncology?
A person with cancer or suspected of having cancer may require surgery for a variety of reasons. Surgical oncology can be used to treat the following conditions:
- 01
diagnostic surgery or biopsy
Cancer must be identified
- 02
curative or debulking surgery
Surgically remove a tumour or a portion of a cancer
- 03
preventive surgery
Get rid of any cancerous tissue in your body
- 04
supportive surgery
Other types of treatment, such as the installation of an infusion port, are encouraged
- 05
reconstructive surgery
Restore the appearance or function of the body
- 06
palliative surgery
Alleviate side effects
- 07
staging surgery
Determine the location of the cancer, whether it has spread, and whether it is interfering with the functions of other organs
How Is Cancer Surgery Carried Out?
Cancer surgery is classified into two types:
Open Surgery
Traditional approach where a large incision is made to remove all or part of a tumour, along with some healthy tissue (margins).
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Uses smaller incisions, specialized instruments, and often a camera for precision, resulting in less pain and quicker recovery.
Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures May Include:
- LaparoscopyA surgical oncologist will make a few small incisions and insert a laparoscope—a thin tube with a tiny camera attached to it—into one of them to capture an interior image, while surgical tools are inserted into the other incisions to excise malignancies and surrounding tissue.
- Laser SurgeryTo remove a tumour, the surgeon will use a narrow beam of high-intensity light.
- CryosurgeryThe surgeon will use liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill cancer cells during cryosurgery.
- Robotic SurgeryRobotic surgery is comparable to laparoscopic surgery. However, instead of manipulating surgical tools by hand, the surgeon operates the robotic tools via a computer console.