Understanding Oncology Surgery

What is oncology surgery?

Oncology surgery is generally a specialty in medicine that deals with surgery concerning different types of cancers. It involves the removal of the tumor and its surrounding tissues, hence preventing the further growth of the disease. Oncology surgery is very vital in the management and possible cure of cancer and is often used along with other modalities of treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Therefore, an oncologist and surgeon can be said to come together in trying to devise an appropriate treatment plan-one that meets the specific needs and circumstances of the individual patient. This way, the patients are assured of getting the best and most personalized type of care that there is for them, which will better increase their success rate.

The Role of an Oncologist

An oncologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and management of cancer. Because of the significance of their treatment, the oncologist may become the most trusted mentor on their journey through cancer. It is the responsibility of the oncologist to decide on the best treatment option-surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these.

Some patients prefer to be treated by a private oncologist who can devote more time to them and provide more personal attention. Such doctors offer individualized treatments and follow up the support of the patient during the course of the disease with quality and attention to detail.

Colon Cancer Treatment

This cancerous stage develops within the large intestine, and one of the most common forms of cancer needs early discovery and timely treatment for increasing the rate of survival. Regarding treatment options, colon cancer is often treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Surgery usually is the principal treatment for colon cancer; it removes the tumor and part of the tissue that surrounds it. Depending on the stage of your cancer along with the degree to which the tumor has spread inside your colon, your surgeon will use either one of the following surgical methods: partial colectomy or a more extended resection.

Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

Pancreatic carcinoma is one of the most difficult tumors to be treated because of its highly aggressive nature and late presentation. Surgical treatment should be part of the multidisciplinary management of pancreatic cancer, including chemotherapy and targeted therapies.

The Whipple surgical procedure is a common treatment for pancreatic cancer. This is a complex operation that includes the removal of the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, the gallbladder, and sometimes a portion of the stomach. Surgery gives patients with localized pancreatic cancer the best chance for long-term survival.

Stomach Cancer Treatment

Gastric cancer, otherwise generally referred to as stomach cancer, is a malignant condition in the lining of the stomach that may subsequently spread to other parts of the body if not treated early. Treatment of stomach cancer usually involves surgical intervention and chemotherapy, with or without radiation.

Surgical approaches to stomach cancer depend on the tumor size and location, hence either partial or total gastrectomy. The removal of the affected part of the stomach together with lymph nodes that surround it may potentially reduce the risk of cancer dissemination as well as improve survival rates.

Thyroid Cancer Treatment

Thyroid cancer starts in the thyroid gland. This is a part of the neck and helps the body control metabolism. Treatment may include surgery, radioactive iodine, and hormone treatment.

The principal surgical intervention for thyroid cancer is thyroidectomy. Depending on the type of cancer and at what stage it has developed, either a partial or a total thyroidectomy is performed. For many patients, thyroid hormone replacement after surgery is necessary throughout the lifetime to allow for normal metabolic functioning.

Early Detection is Important

Obviously, the early detection of cancer gives one a greater possibility of successful treatment and, therefore, surviving. Regular screenings and awareness of symptoms are very instrumental in the process of early detection of cancers. When cancers are detected early, they tend to be curable or at least controllable.

They should never hesitate to consult the doctor upon feeling any unusual symptoms or signs in their bodies. Regular checkups and screenings are nevertheless suggested, particularly to individuals with a family history of cancer, to avoid potential health complications before they become critical.

Conclusion

It is paramount to note that oncology surgery gives a patient hope and a probable cure in the management of cancer. Far from that, various aspects of oncology surgery and the importance of early detection help a patient be more proactive in his or her cancer journey. For further detailed information regarding the treatment for specific cancers, refer to our colon cancer treatment, pancreatic cancer treatment, stomach cancer treatment, and thyroid cancer treatment pages.

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