Surgical Oncology Principles Surgical oncology is a branch of surgery focused on the treatment of cancer . Surgeons involved in surgical oncology perf...
Surgical oncology is a branch of surgery focused on the treatment of cancer. Surgeons involved in surgical oncology perform procedures such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy to remove or destroy cancerous tumors.
Key principles of surgical oncology include:
Patient safety: Surgeons prioritize the safety of the patient throughout the procedure and actively monitor their health during and after the surgery.
Comprehensive assessment: Surgeons conduct a thorough assessment of the patient, including medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies, to understand the extent and type of cancer.
Treatment planning: Surgeons develop a personalized treatment plan that considers the patient's overall health, type and stage of cancer, and other relevant factors.
Minimally invasive surgery: Surgeons employ minimally invasive surgical techniques whenever possible to minimize trauma and scarring.
Oncologic staging: Surgeons determine the stage of the cancer based on the extent of the tumor and how it has spread. This stageing helps tailor the treatment plan and provides an estimate of the patient's prognosis.
Neoadjuvant therapy: Before surgery, patients may undergo neoadjuvant therapy, which may include chemotherapy or radiation therapy, to shrink the tumor and prepare it for surgical removal.
Immunotherapy: Surgeons may incorporate immunotherapy techniques, such as checkpoint blockade or immune checkpoint antibodies, into the treatment regimen to enhance the immune response against cancer cells.
Prognosis: Surgeons strive to provide patients with accurate and realistic information about their prognosis, including the expected survival time, potential complications, and available treatment options.
Teamwork: Surgical oncology involves a multidisciplinary approach with specialists from various medical disciplines working together to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients.
Examples:
Surgeons may perform lumpectomy or mastectomy to remove cancerous tumors.
Patients with breast cancer may undergo radiation therapy before surgery to shrink the tumor.
Surgeons may employ oncologic staging to determine the stage of lung cancer, which can guide treatment decisions.
Immunotherapy is often used in melanoma and skin cancer treatment.
Prognosis is discussed with patients and their families, emphasizing the importance of understanding the different treatment options and potential outcomes