Understanding Surgical Oncology- Comprehensive guide to Cancer Surgery
As per the Indian Council of Medical Research`s National Cancer Registry Programme (ICMR-NCRP), the country is expected to have 1.57 million new cases of cancer in 2025. Cancer is predicted to strike about 1 in 9 Indians at some point in their lives. If you have been given acancer diagnosis, you should know that surgical oncology is a speciality of medicine that focusses on handling cancer surgically. Every question you have about surgical oncology and how it benefits you will be thoroughly addressed.
Surgical oncology’s role?
Surgical oncologists continue to play a crucial role in the diagnosis, therapy, and reconstructive phases of cancer care. Through the different biopsy techniques required to comprehend cancer pathology and to plan the course of treatment, surgical oncologists play a critical role in the diagnosis of cancer. The mainstay of cancer therapy management continues to be the execution of various surgical procedures to remove tumours and damaged areas. Reconstructive surgery techniques are occasionally carried out by surgical oncologists to restore form and function.
The Purpose of cancer surgery
Three main goals are the focus of surgical oncology procedures:
1) Curative surgery: Attempts to remove the entire tumour and any tissue that is impacted
2) Palliative surgery: This procedure aims to reduce symptoms and enhance quality of life.
3) Debulking surgery: Enhance treatment results by removing as much of the tumour as possible.
4) Preventive surgery: Done for those who are genetically predisposed to develop certain cancers and are
at high risk for them, such as prophylactic mastectomy (removal of the breast) and prophylactic salpingoophorectomy (removal of the ovary and fallopian tube).
Cancer Treatment- Multidisciplinary Approach
In order to provide comprehensive care and customise treatment programmes based on each patient’s particular needs and circumstances, the surgical oncology department collaborates closely with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and radiologists. They also hold weekly tumour board discussions.
Recovery and Post-Surgical Care
After surgery, it’s critical to continue to meet your post-operative care requirements, which include:
1) Consistent and methodical follow-up appointments in accordance with your physician’s recommendations
2) To evaluate the emergence of complications and address them as soon as possible
3) To comprehend additional management that will help you manage your illness
Newer treatment options in Field of Oncology
A radical approach to surgical management is seen to be obsolete due to a number of advancements in the field of surgical oncology. To enhance results, tailored medicines and minimally invasive operations have been used. Endoscopic breast operations, endoscopic thyroid, endoscopic parathyroid and neck dissections, laparoscopic abdominal surgeries, and breast conservation and oncoplastic breast reconstruction are some of the innovative techniques used by the GG Hospital’s Department of Surgical Oncology. All of these treatments shorten the healing period and prevent additional harm to the patient’s mental health. The department of surgical oncology at GG Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram is at the forefront of the constantly changing area of surgical oncology thanks to the incorporation of these techniques into the available treatment choices.
Final take
I hope you have a better understanding of the different facets of surgical oncology. Since surgical oncology is a crucial component of cancer care and calls for professional support, patients who comprehend its role will be better able to navigate their treatment options and make educated decisions about their care.
