As one of the most common causes of death in the world along with heart disease, cancer takes the lives of millions every year. Efficient treatment requires the cooperation of various specialists and the integration of different disciplines. As part of the cancer management team, surgical oncologists have specialised skills that are essential in cancer care and treatment. This article delves into the specific roles of surgical oncologists and why they are important in cancer treatment.
Who is a Surgical Oncologist?
A surgical oncologist is specifically trained to surgically treat cancer in a patient. They must complete several years of general active duty training, then specialise in a specific area of oncology, essentially training in cancer diagnosis and surgery for the entire duration. Tumour reduction surgery can be highly complex and oncologists increase the chances of the patient’s long-term survival and quality of life with skilled tumour excision.
Key Responsibilities of a Surgical Oncologist
Clearly, the surgical procedures are only one part of the work of a surgical oncologist. Some examples of other responsibilities include the following:
1. Cancer Diagnosis
- Testing tissues to see if they contain cancer cells.
- Analysing X-ray examinations and CT images to understand tumour features.
- Using endoscopic methods of internal view.
2. Surgical Treatment of Cancer
- Excision of a tumour by careful separation from surrounding tissue.
- Mastectomies (breast cancer), colectomies (colon cancer), and lung resections are classified as complicated cancer surgeries.
- Surgery can also be performed through the use of robotic machines or cameras, which do not require large incisions.
- Taking proper care of certain medical procedures such as scalpels, scissors, and forceps used to cut into the skin and separate deep tissue layers of the body for the surgeries known to be cancerous.
3. Pre- and Post-Surgical Care
- Preparing the patient by illustrating to them the procedure as well as the issues and the hopeful results that shall follow.
- After the surgery, patients must be observed so that they can be relieved of pain and helped to prevent infection, along with healing.
- Working with oncologists to ascertain if patients need comprehensive or post-surgical treatments in the form of chemotherapy and radiation.
4. Palliative Surgery
- When removal of tumours is impossible, easing the suffering caused by tumours is the main objective.
- Easing tumour discomfort directed towards assisting patients through the painful and wound-causing aspects of the surgery.
- Hindrances such as intestinal blockages and fluid accumulation are dealt with.
Types of Surgeries Performed by Surgical Oncologists
Surgical oncologists carry out different surgeries relevant to cancer based on the condition of the patient as well as the radiation treatment aims:
Curative Surgery:
Where the tumour is situated in one area and has not spread, thus the purpose of this surgery is targeted towards ensuring the tumour is removed entirely.
Debulking Surgery:
Eases the pain and incapacitates the sufferer enabling other medical treatments to be used more efficiently other than surgically removing the tumour.
Palliative Surgery:
The method focuses on relieving the pain and distress of someone suffering with advanced stages of cancer.
Resection:
Involves the removal of tissues or organs at risk of cancerous transformations, like prophylactic mastectomy for patients with high chances of breast cancer due to family history or genetics.
Restorative Surgery:
A form of surgical reconstruction done to improve the shape or function of body parts after mutilating cancer surgeries, like mastectomy.
The Role of Surgical Oncologists in Cancer Care
The surgical oncologist’s contribution to cancer management comprises the following:
1. Achieving Adequate Margins During Resection
The most effective management for solid tumours is surgical resection. Surgical oncologists are specially trained to remove the tumour and as much normal surrounding tissue as possible.
2. Interdisciplinary Cooperation
Surgical oncologists are responsible for integrating the medical oncologist, radiation oncology, and pathology services for each patient for optimal management.
3. Innovation in Surgical Practice
The introduction of laparoscopic and robotic surgery as a new technique has enhanced the management of cancer. It reduces the time for recovery and improves accuracy while minimising complications post-surgery.
4. Better Outcomes for Patients
Research suggests that there are better treatment results, including higher than average survival and low relapse rates among those managed by experienced surgical oncologists.
5. Custom-Made Cancer Treatment
Individual patient types differ. Surgical oncologists adjust the surgical strategy based on the cancer’s type, stage, and anatomical location for optimal outcomes.
How to Choose the Right Surgical Oncologist
A surgical oncologist plays a major role in the effective treatment of a patient. For successful treatment, consider these aspects while selecting an oncologist:
Experience and Certification:
Check the oncologist’s credentials and ensure that he or she is board certified and has a subspecialty in surgical oncology.
Hospital Affiliation:
The surgeon’s hospital should be equipped with state-of-the-art surgical facilities and a skilled oncology staff.
Patient Reviews and Success Rates:
Explore what other patients have said about your prospective surgeon’s skill and determine if he or she meets the outlined expectations.
Communication and Support:
An ideal oncologist should provide information comprehensively to aid understanding and demonstrate empathy.
Suggested Read: Medical Oncology
Conclusion
Cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management cannot be conducted effectively without consulting a surgical oncologist. Oncological literature along with experienced specialists in other branches of oncology affirm that advancements in technologies for treating tumours by surgical means, when used together with other sections of oncology, lead to amazing results. Consulting an experienced surgical oncologist after a cancer diagnosis is imperative for the better management of the disease and improving treatment outcomes for patients.
