Surgical oncology is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on the surgical management of cancer. Surgeons who specialize in this field are known as surgical oncologists. They work closely with other members of a cancer treatment team, such as medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and pathologists, to provide comprehensive care for cancer patients.
Surgical oncologists perform various types of cancer surgeries, such as biopsies, tumor removals, lymph node dissections, and reconstructive surgeries. They use various techniques to minimize the impact of surgery on a patient's quality of life, such as minimally invasive surgery, which uses small incisions and advanced technology to remove cancerous tissue with less damage to healthy tissue.
Surgical oncologists also play an important role in the diagnosis and staging of cancer, as they often perform biopsies and other diagnostic procedures to determine the extent and characteristics of a patient's cancer. They may also be involved in clinical trials to test new surgical techniques or treatments for cancer.
Surgical oncology is an important component of cancer care, and surgical oncologists play a critical role in the management and treatment of cancer patients.