Surgical oncology is a specialized field within clinical oncology that focuses on the surgical management of cancer. There are many different types of cancer that can be treated with surgical oncology.
The primary goal of cancer surgery is to diagnose and effectively treat cancer by removing tumors and affected tissues, preventing the spread of cancer cells. A multidisciplinary approach, involving surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and other healthcare professionals, is crucial for developing a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Understanding the fundamentals of surgical oncology can help ease anxiety and prepare patients for the journey ahead.
Let’s cover the basics of what surgical oncology is, what types of cancer can benefit from this treatment, and your options surrounding surgery and additional treatments.
What is Surgical Oncology?
At its core, surgical oncology aims to remove all cancerous tissues by excising tumors along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure no cancer cells remain. Surgery is typically used when cancer is localized and can be physically removed, serving as a primary treatment to eliminate tumors and prevent spread. Surgeons often remove and test lymph nodes to check if cancer has spread, which helps in accurate staging and planning further treatment.
Surgery may also be part of a combined treatment plan alongside chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other therapies to increase effectiveness. The surgical oncologist plays a vital role in the patient’s multidisciplinary treatment team, bringing specialized expertise in performing complex cancer surgeries. They collaborate closely with medical oncologists, radiologists, and other healthcare professionals to develop and execute a tailored treatment plan that best addresses the patient’s specific cancer type, stage, and overall health.
Types of Cancer Treated with Surgery
Various types of cancer can be effectively treated through surgical oncology, depending on the cancer’s location, stage, and characteristics. The following sections provide an overview of common cancers treated with surgery and the surgical options available for each.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers treated with surgical oncology. The surgical approach depends on the size, location, and stage of the tumor. Two primary surgical options are commonly used to manage breast cancer:
- Lumpectomy: Removes the tumor with a small margin of surrounding tissue, preserving most of the breast.
- Mastectomy: Involves removing one or both breasts to eliminate cancer and reduce recurrence risk.
The choice between lumpectomy and mastectomy depends on various factors, including the size and type of breast cancer, as well as patient preference. Both procedures aim to eliminate cancer and reduce recurrence risk, offering hope for long-term survival.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is commonly treated with surgical interventions aimed at removing cancerous sections of the colon or rectum. The primary surgical treatments include:
- Colectomy: This procedure involves the removal of part or all of the colon, depending on the extent of the cancer.
- Proctectomy: Specifically used for rectal cancers, this surgery removes part or all of the rectum.
Both colectomy and proctectomy can be performed using laparoscopic or robotic-assisted techniques, which offer benefits such as smaller incisions, reduced pain, and faster recovery. Early detection and removal of precancerous polyps during colonoscopy are crucial for preventing colorectal cancer and improving surgical outcomes.
Pancreatic Cancer
Surgery for pancreatic cancer is complex and requires specialized care due to the organ’s anatomy and proximity to vital structures. Key surgical options include:
- Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy): This is the most common surgery for tumors located in the head of the pancreas, involving the removal of the pancreatic head, part of the small intestine, gallbladder, and bile duct.
- Distal pancreatectomy: Removal of the body and tail of the pancreas, often along with the spleen.
- Total pancreatectomy: Rarely performed, this involves removing the entire pancreas and is reserved for extensive disease.
Due to the challenges of pancreatic surgery, patients benefit from treatment at specialized centers with experienced surgical oncologists.
Liver Cancer
Surgical treatment for liver cancer primarily involves hepatectomy, which is a partial liver resection to remove tumors while preserving healthy liver tissue. Other surgical options and techniques include:
- Tumor ablation: Uses methods such as radiofrequency ablation or microwave ablation to destroy tumors without removing liver tissue.
- Embolization: Blocks blood flow to the tumor to shrink it, sometimes used before surgery or when surgery is not possible.
- Liver transplantation: Considered in select cases where the entire tumor cannot be removed but liver function is compromised.
Surgical oncology for liver cancer is often integrated with hepatology and transplant services, especially when liver function is compromised or transplantation is considered.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer treatment through surgery varies based on cancer type and location:
- Wide local excision: Removal of the tumor with a margin of healthy skin to ensure complete cancer removal.
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy: Performed for staging melanoma, this procedure helps determine if cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
- Mohs surgery: A specialized technique typically performed by dermatologic surgeons that removes cancer layer by layer, preserving healthy tissue. In complex cases, surgical oncologists manage wide excisions.
These surgical options offer high success rates while minimizing cosmetic impact.
Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancers
Surgical management of GI cancers, including esophageal, gastric, and small intestine cancers, involves:
- Gastrectomy: Partial or total removal of the stomach for gastric cancer.
- Esophagectomy: Removal of part or all of the esophagus.
- Segmental resections: Targeted removal of affected sections of the small intestine.
Minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery, are increasingly used to reduce recovery time and complications. Patients can expect improved postoperative outcomes and quicker return to normal activities.
Thyroid and Parathyroid Cancers
Surgical treatment for thyroid and parathyroid cancers includes:
- Total or partial thyroidectomy: Removal of all or part of the thyroid gland.
- Neck dissection: Performed if lymph node involvement is suspected to remove affected nodes.
Coordination with endocrinologists is essential for managing hormone levels and postoperative care.
Sarcomas
Sarcomas require specialized surgical approaches to preserve limb or organ function:
- Wide excision: Removal of the tumor with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete cancer removal while preserving as much of the limb or structure as possible.
- Complex reconstructions: Often necessary following excision to restore function and appearance.
Early intervention and multidisciplinary planning involving surgical oncologists, orthopedic surgeons, and rehabilitation specialists are vital for optimal outcomes.
Treatment Options in Surgical Oncology
Surgical oncology encompasses a variety of procedures tailored to different cancer types and stages. These procedures can be categorized into:
- Curative Surgery: Aims to completely remove tumors with clear margins to eliminate cancer.
- Debulking Surgery: Reduces tumor size when full removal isn’t possible to improve other treatments’ effectiveness.
- Palliative Surgery: Relieves symptoms in advanced cancer to improve quality of life.
- Diagnostic Surgery: Involves tissue removal to confirm cancer type and stage for treatment planning.
Depending on the type and stage of your cancer, these procedures may be able to be performed through minimally invasive or robotic surgical techniques. Choosing these techniques can provide significant benefits, including smaller incisions, faster recovery times, and reduced postoperative pain. These advanced technologies are available at The Surgical Clinic, enabling surgeons to perform precise and effective cancer surgeries with fewer complications.
Other Treatment Options in Surgical Oncology
Surgical oncology often involves a combination of treatments to enhance the overall effectiveness of cancer management. Other cancer treatments are often used in conjunction with surgical procedures to provide a comprehensive approach to cancer care, such as:
- Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells, often applied after surgery to reduce recurrence risk.
- Chemotherapy: Uses medications to kill cancer cells before or after surgery, often combined with other treatments for effectiveness.
- Radiofrequency Ablation: A minimally invasive procedure using heat from radio waves to destroy tumors in organs like the liver, kidney, and lung.
These complementary treatments work together with surgery to improve patient outcomes and reduce the chance of cancer returning. A multidisciplinary team carefully designs each treatment plan to ensure the best possible care for the patient’s specific cancer type and stage.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery
Before surgery, patients will have detailed consultations with their surgical oncologist and other members of the multidisciplinary team. These discussions are essential for reviewing the diagnosis, exploring surgical options, understanding potential risks, and establishing realistic expectations for outcomes. The surgical process typically involves several key steps, including:
- Pre-Surgical Consultations and Second Opinions: Patients meet with their surgical oncologist and healthcare team to discuss their diagnosis and treatment options. Seeking second opinions helps patients confirm their plan and explore all possibilities.
- Detailed Preoperative Planning and Imaging: Advanced imaging tests, such as CT scans, MRIs, or PET scans, are used to locate tumors and plan surgery. Surgeons decide on the best approach, including open, laparoscopic, robotic, or specialized surgeries, such as Mohs.
- Recovery Times and Post-Operative Care: Hospital stays vary based on the surgery type, with a focus on pain management and wound care. Early mobilization and infection prevention are crucial for a smooth recovery.
- Ongoing Surveillance and Follow-Up: Regular follow-up appointments involve exams, blood tests, and imaging to monitor for cancer recurrence. Maintaining communication with healthcare providers ensures early detection and intervention.
Recovery times vary depending on the type and extent of surgery performed. Support from healthcare providers helps patients regain strength and return to daily activities as soon as possible.
Take the Next Step with The Surgical Clinic’s Patient-First Cancer Care
At The Surgical Clinic, we put you at the center of everything we do. Our board-certified surgical oncologists are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized treatment tailored to your unique cancer type, stage, and location. By leveraging advanced technology and minimally invasive surgical options, we aim to deliver effective care with fewer complications and faster recovery.
We work closely with oncologists, radiologists, and your primary care providers to ensure seamless coordination throughout your cancer journey. This multidisciplinary approach helps us create comprehensive treatment plans designed to give you the best possible outcomes.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer or if your current treatment plan could benefit from specialized surgical expertise, it’s time to consult with a surgical oncologist. Early involvement of surgical oncology can be crucial in determining the most effective treatment strategy.
Contact The Surgical Clinic today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward advanced, patient-focused cancer care.