Understanding Surgical Oncology: Comprehensive Guide to Cancer Surgery and Care
Surgical oncology plays a critical role in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer. This specialized branch of surgery focuses on removing cancerous tumors and tissues to improve patients' quality of life and survival rates. Below is an overview of surgical oncology and its importance:
What is Surgical Oncology?
Surgical oncology is a specialized field that involves the use of surgery to diagnose, stage, and treat various cancers.
It focuses on removing tumors, affected lymph nodes, and surrounding tissues while preserving healthy structures.
When is Surgical Oncology Recommended?
Early-stage cancers where the tumor is localized.
As part of multimodal treatments, including chemotherapy or radiation.
To relieve symptoms or improve quality of life in advanced stages.
Types of Surgical Procedures in Oncology:
Curative Surgery: Complete removal of cancer when localized.
Debulking Surgery: Reducing tumor size to facilitate other treatments like chemotherapy.
Palliative Surgery: Relieving symptoms and improving patient comfort.
Preventive Surgery: Removing tissues at high risk of developing cancer (e.g., prophylactic mastectomy).
Role of Advanced Techniques:
Minimally Invasive Surgery: Procedures like laparoscopy reduce recovery time and complications.
Robotic-Assisted Surgery: Offers precision and smaller incisions for better outcomes.
HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy): A targeted treatment for abdominal cancers.
Benefits of Surgical Oncology:
Improved chances of complete cancer removal in early stages.
Personalized surgical plans tailored to each patient's cancer type and stage.
Enhanced recovery and reduced recurrence with modern techniques.
Dr. Snita Sinukumar is a renowned surgical oncologist in Pune, known for her expertise in treating complex cancers with precision and compassion. With a focus on advanced surgical techniques, including HIPEC and minimally invasive procedures, she provides personalized care.