No discussion on cancer treatment is complete without the mention of the ‘oncosurgeon.’ What exactly does an oncosurgeon do, and why is their role crucial in treating cancers like breast, lung, and gastrointestinal (GI) cancers?
To understand this better, please continue reading.
Who is an oncosurgeon?
A cancer surgery specialist is a surgical oncologist who plays a crucial role in diagnosing, staging, and treating various types of cancers through surgical procedures. They are trained and qualified for the surgical treatment of cancers and are well-versed in the nuances of oncology. Due to their extensive knowledge and experience, they can plan timely and effective interventions, even opting for minimally invasive procedures whenever possible.
This write-up explores how an oncosurgeon contributes to treating specific cancers like breast, lung, and GI.
Understanding the Role of a Surgical Oncologist
The cancer surgery specialist uses surgical methods to diagnose, stage, and treat cancer. They are experts in tumour removal procedures, including complex surgeries like lobectomies (lung), mastectomies (breast), or colectomies (colon). They also coordinate with other specialists, like radiation therapists and medical oncologists, for holistic care, improved survival rates, and post-treatment quality of life.
Role of An Oncosurgeon In Breast Cancer Surgery
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers amongst women. The specialist focuses on tumour removal procedures that include –
- Breast-conserving surgery is the process where the tumour is removed along with some surrounding tissues. In this procedure, the oncosurgeon attempts to preserve the breast and removes only a part of the breast that contains the cancer. This type of surgery is also commonly called lumpectomy, partial mastectomy, quadrantectomy, or segmental mastectomy.
- Mastectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of the entire breast and nearby tissues. If both breasts are removed, the procedure is called a double mastectomy.
Other types of breast cancer surgery are –
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) or Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) are two procedures that involve the removal of lymph nodes. In SLNB, the specialists remove the lymph nodes that are likely to be affected by the cancer first. ALND involves the removal of many lymph nodes under the arm.
- Breast reconstruction, as the name suggests, is a procedure where either a breast mound is rebuilt or fat is grafted at the surgery site. This surgical procedure can be done immediately after the breast cancer surgery or post-surgery.
The role of the oncosurgeon is crucial as they ensure that the surgery is aligned with the stage of cancer, patient health condition, patient’s preference, and tumour size.
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Role of An Oncosurgeon In Lung Cancer Surgical Treatment
When diagnosed in the early stages or the cancer is localised, lung cancer surgical treatment is one of the best options for patients. In this case, surgical procedures involve removing the lungs, either partially or wholly. A surgical oncologist uses either a minimally invasive procedure or thoracotomy.
Common lung cancer procedures include –
- Lobectomy involves the surgical removal of the affected lobe of your lung. When two lobes of the right lung are removed, the procedure is called bilobectomy.
- Segmentectomy involves the removal of removal of one to four segments of the affected lobes. This procedure helps uninvolved tissues.
- Pneumonectomy is the procedure where the complete lung is removed and is done only when lobectomy is ruled out.
- Wedge Resection is the medical procedure where wedge-shaped small lung tissues around the tumour are removed.
Since the anatomy of the lungs is pretty complex and the lungs are close to the heart, lung cancer surgical treatment should be done by specialists only. An expert oncosurgeon removes the tumour by clearly demarcating the margins while ensuring that the functionality of the organ is preserved as much as possible.
You can consult with Dr. Dharma Kumar KG in Bangalore with a proven track record and high success rate using advanced preoperative imaging and minimally invasive techniques like VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery).
Role of An Oncosurgeon In Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgery
Cancers of the stomach, colon, pancreas, and rectum are referred to as GI cancers. The oncosurgeon recommends surgical treatment based on the location of the cancerous growth, size, spread, the patient’s age and health.
Gastrointestinal cancer surgery offers the best survival chances, though, depending on the spread of the disease, the specialist will advise chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy for holistic treatment. The common GI cancer surgical procedures are –
- Gastrectomy: Partial or total removal of the stomach.
- Colectomy: Removal of a section or the entire colon.
- Whipple procedure: A complex surgery for pancreatic cancer.
- Laparoscopic resections for smaller tumors.
Like all other cancer surgeries, gastrointestinal cancer surgery requires precision and experience, especially when vital organs, lymph nodes, and blood vessels are involved. The success of the surgery heavily influences long-term prognosis and the possibility of a cure.
Dr Dharma Kumar KG Cancer Care Centre is a leading centre for GI cancer surgeries. Led by Dr. Dharma Kumar KG, a cancer surgery specialist, the experienced team uses advanced laparoscopic and robotic techniques to minimise patient discomfort and shorten hospital stays.
The Tumour Removal Procedure: What Patients Should Know
The entire tumour removal procedure involves:
- Diagnosis and staging via imaging and biopsies.
- Pre-surgical planning, in collaboration with medical and radiation oncologists.
- Surgical excision of the tumour along with the margin tissue and sometimes lymph nodes.
- Post-surgical care and planning for adjuvant therapy, if required.
The primary focus of a surgical oncologist is to remove the tumour in a manner that there is minimal chance of recurrence. They also suggest reconstructive surgeries, if required.
Why Choose Dr. Dharma Kumar KG?
Dr. Dharma Kumar KG is a trusted name in oncology surgery. He is a cancer surgery specialist with –
- Years of expertise across multiple cancer types, including breast, lung, and GI cancers.
- Focus on minimally invasive and organ-preserving surgeries.
- A holistic care model where recovery and rehabilitation are top priorities.
- Empathetic patient interactions for clarity, comfort, and choice.
- Advanced infrastructure and surgical facilities
Conclusion
When it is a cancer that requires surgery, an oncosurgeon is one of the key players in the treatment process. Their role is not limited to the operating room only. Every decision, starting from diagnosis to post-surgery recovery, is supervised by them. For complex cancers like breast, lung, and GI types, having an experienced surgical oncologist like Dr. Dharma Kumar KG by your side can make a significant difference in outcomes.
Schedule a consultation today at Dr. Dharma Cancer Care and take the first step toward hope, healing, and health.
Ref: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery-for-breast-cancer.html
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/stomach-cancer/treating/by-stage.html