Scope: Conditions, Diseases, Treatments, and Procedures
Surgical oncology is a specialized field within general surgery that involves the diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment of patients with cancers that might require surgical treatment. Notably, it includes cancers within the areas operated by general surgeons (e.g., abdomen) but excludes areas typically not operated by general surgeons (e.g., orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery).
Conditions and Diseases:
a) Breast cancer: Surgical oncologists play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating breast cancer. They perform lumpectomies (removal of the tumor) or mastectomies (removal of the breast) depending on the stage and characteristics of the cancer.
b) Colorectal cancer: Some surgical oncologist address colorectal cancer by performing surgeries like colectomy (removal of part or all of the colon) or rectal resection (removal of the rectum) to eliminate cancerous growths.
c) Hepatobiliary tumors: Cancers of the hepatobiliary system (liver, bile ducts, and gall bladder), as well as the pancreas are surgically treated by hepatobiliary surgeons.
d) Endocrine tumors: Some surgical oncologists treat endocrine tumors, including those of the adrenal glands, thyroid, and parathyroid.
Treatments and Procedures:
a) Tumor resection: Surgical oncologists specialize in the surgical removal of tumors, aiming to eliminate cancerous cells and prevent further spread.
b) Biopsy: Surgical oncologists perform biopsies to obtain tissue samples for laboratory analysis, aiding in the diagnosis and staging of cancer.
c) Lymph node dissection: This procedure involves removing nearby lymph nodes to determine the extent of cancer spread or to prevent its progression.
d) Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): Surgical oncologists may employ HIPEC, a specialized procedure where high doses of chemotherapy are delivered directly to the abdomen, to treat certain abdominal cancers.
e) Reconstructive surgery: Following tumor removal, surgical oncologists may perform or work with plastic/reconstructive surgeons to restore the form and function of affected areas, such as breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
Additional Therapies:
Surgical oncology often integrates additional therapies to optimize patient outcomes:
a) Radiation therapy: Collaborating with radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists may recommend radiation treatment to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumors before or after surgery.
b) Chemotherapy: Medical oncologists work closely with surgical oncologists to determine the need for chemotherapy, which involves using drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
c) Hormone therapy: Surgical oncologists may employ hormone therapy to block or suppress the effects of certain hormones that fuel the growth of hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast.
d) Immunotherapy: This advanced treatment activates the body's immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Surgical oncologists may collaborate with medical oncologists to incorporate immunotherapy into a patient's treatment plan.
Qualifications, Training, and Certifications
Becoming a surgical oncologist requires extensive education and training. A physician must complete a residency program in surgery followed by a fellowship in surgical oncology.
Related Medical Specialties
Surgical Oncology works closely with several related medical specialties to provide comprehensive cancer care.
Medical oncology: Medical oncologists administer chemotherapy and other medications for cancer treatment. They collaborate with surgical oncologists to determine the need for surgery and the appropriate use of chemotherapy.
Radiation oncology: Radiation oncologists specialize in radiation therapy to treat cancer. They work in consultation with surgical oncologists to develop optimal treatment plans for patients.
Pathology: Pathologists study tissue samples to diagnose cancer and other diseases. They work alongside surgical oncologists to ensure accurate diagnosis and guide treatment decisions.
Radiology: Radiologists utilize imaging techniques to locate tumors and assess their characteristics. They play a crucial role in assisting surgical oncologists in accurate tumor localization before surgery.
Nuclear Medicine: Nuclear medicine specialists use radioactive substances for diagnostic imaging and treatment purposes. They collaborate with surgical oncologists to determine the need for nuclear imaging before surgery.