Oncologists

Surgical oncology is the field of cancer care that focuses on surgery to diagnose, stage and treat cancer, and to manage some cancer-related symptoms.

Whether a patient is a candidate for cancer surgery depends on factors such as the type, size, location, grade and stage of the tumor. Other general health factors are also taken into account, such as the patient's age, physical fitness and any coexisting health conditions he or she may have.

Surgical oncologists work with a multidisciplinary team of physicians and clinicians to combine surgery with other therapies and procedures required by the patient’s comprehensive treatment plan.

Oncologists use a number of techniques to diagnose and treat cancer. Medical oncology experts may use chemotherapy drugs to attack the cancer, while radiation oncology relies on various forms of radiation therapy. Hematology-oncology treats blood cancers. Dermatology, interventional pulmonology and other fields of medicine may also be involved in the process. One type of oncologist that cancer patients may see is a surgical oncologist.

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Types of Surgical Oncology Procedures

Here are the types of surgical oncology procedures:

A. Resection Procedures

Tumor Resection: Tumor resection involves the removal of cancerous tissue while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. The extent of the resection depends on the size, location, and stage of the tumor.

There are three primary types of tumor resections:

Wide Local Excision: Wide local excision, also known as partial resection, involves removing the tumor along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue. This technique is commonly used for small, localized tumors.
Segmental Resection: Segmental resection refers to the removal of a segment of an organ affected by cancer. It is performed when the tumor involves a larger portion of the organ but does not require its complete removal.
Radical Resection: Radical resection is the complete removal of the tumor, along with surrounding tissues, such as lymph nodes, adjacent organs, or structures. This procedure is typically performed for advanced-stage cancers or cases where the tumor has infiltrated nearby structures.

Lymph Node Dissection: Lymph node dissection involves the removal of lymph nodes near the primary tumor. It is crucial for staging the cancer and determining its spread. There are two main kinds of lymph node dissection:

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a slightly invasive process performed to identify the first lymph node(s) to which cancer is likely to spread. By analyzing these sentinel nodes, the surgeon can determine the extent of cancer spread and plan further treatment accordingly.
Regional Lymph Node Dissection: Regional lymph node dissection involves the removal of lymph nodes in the region surrounding the primary tumor. This procedure helps in preventing the spread of cancer to other parts of the body and aids in determining the stage of the disease.

B. Excision Procedures

Local Excision: Local excision is the removal of small tumors or lesions along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue. It is commonly used for early-stage cancers that have not spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs. Examples of local excision procedures include lumpectomy (removal of a breast lump) and endoscopic resection (removal of tumors using minimally invasive techniques).
Organ-Specific Excision: Organ-specific excision involves removing an entire organ affected by cancer. The choice of the procedure depends on the type and stage of cancer. Prostatеctomy, mastectomy, colеctomy, and nephrectomy arе somе examples of surgical procedures usеd to trеat cancеr. Prostatectomy іs thе removal of the prostate gland in casеs of prostatе cancеr, mastectomy is the removal of thе brеast іn casеs of breast cancеr, and nephrectomy is thе rеmoval of thе kіdnеy in cases of kidnеy cancеr.

C. Reconstruction Procedures

Introduction to Reconstruction

Reconstruction in surgical oncology refers to procedures performed after tumor removal to restore form and function, improve aesthetics, and enhance the quality of life for cancer patients. It can involve reconstructing the breast, jaw, limbs, or other affected areas.

Types of Reconstruction

Flap Reconstruction: Flap reconstruction involves transferring tissue, including skin, fat, and muscle, from one part of the body to another to reconstruct the affected area. The tissue may be taken from regional or free flap locations. Flap reconstruction is commonly used in breast reconstruction after mastectomy or in head and neck cancer reconstruction.
Implant-based Reconstruction: Implant-based reconstruction utilizes silicone or saline-filled implants to restore the shape and volume of the affected area. This method is commonly employed in breast reconstruction.
Tissue Expansion: Tissue expansion involves placing a balloon-like device beneath the skin near the affected area. Over time, the device is gradually filled with a saline solution, stretching the skin and creating space for subsequent reconstruction.

Conclusion

Surgical procedures in oncology, including resection, excision, and reconstruction, play a vital role in the management of cancer. our specialized doctors in field within surgical oncology, offers tailored treatment options for different types and stages of cancer. Collaboration between surgical oncologists and multidisciplinary teams ensures comprehensive care for cancer patients.

By understanding the different types of surgical procedures and their applications, patients and their families can make informed decisions and work closely with their healthcare providers to determine the most suitable treatment plan for their specific situation.