Who is a Surgical Oncologist? Let's find out exactly.

When you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, it's hard to put into words what you're feeling. But it's also normal to feel a little scared and confused when you hear new words and names from doctors. Maybe your doctor told you, "We need to refer you to a 'Surgical Oncologist'." Hearing that name probably made you have a lot of questions. "Who is that?" "What does he do?" "Will I have to have surgery?" Don't worry. Let's talk about all of this in a simple, step-by-step manner.

Who is a surgical oncologist?

Simply put, a Surgical Oncologist is a surgeon who has received special training in performing surgeries on cancer patients. Surgery is the main and most commonly used method of treating cancer. So, the main task of this specialist doctor is to remove cancer cells or tumors from the body through surgery.

But he doesn't work alone. Cancer treatment is a team effort. This doctor works with other doctors, such as a medical oncologist, a specialist in cancer treatment (such as chemotherapy) , and a radiation oncologist , to come up with the best treatment plan for you.

What exactly does this specialist doctor do?

The role of a Surgical Oncologist is not limited to performing surgery. He is with you from the beginning of your cancer journey. Let's take a look at the main things he does.

Why do you need to see a Surgical Oncologist?

There may be several reasons why you might want to see a specialist like this.

• If cancer is suspected: If a scan, mammogram, or other test you have done shows something that could be cancerous, you will be referred to a Surgical Oncologist for a biopsy to confirm it.
• If you have a high risk of cancer: Some people have a very high risk of developing certain types of cancer (e.g. breast cancer) due to genetic factors. In such cases, surgery may be recommended to reduce that risk before the cancer develops. For example, a woman with a very high risk of breast cancer may have a prophylactic mastectomy to remove the breast before cancerous cells develop.
• To remove a cancerous tumor: Once it is confirmed that you have a cancerous tumor in your body, it must be removed surgically. Even if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic cancer), those tumors are sometimes removed surgically.
• To relieve symptoms: You may need to undergo surgery (Palliative Care Surgery) to relieve severe symptoms caused by cancer, such as severe pain or intestinal obstruction.

What types of surgeries do these doctors perform?

Cancer surgeries can be mainly divided into two types.

1. Minimally Invasive Surgery: Simply put, this is a surgery that is performed without making a large incision, by making only a few small holes in the body, through which a camera and very delicate surgical instruments are inserted. Laparoscopic surgery is one of these. This method does not leave a large scar, there is less pain, the hospital stay is shorter, and recovery is faster.

2. Open Surgery: This is the traditional method. In this, a single large incision is made to directly reach the tumor. This method may be necessary if the tumor is large or has spread to surrounding tissue.

Surgery is a very effective treatment for solid tumors. Surgery is the main treatment, especially in the early stages of diseases such as breast cancer, colon cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and prostate cancer, when the cancer has not spread to nearby lymph nodes.

What should you expect when meeting a surgical oncologist for the first time?

The first appointment is very important. Here, the doctor tries to gain a complete understanding of your medical condition. And you also get the opportunity to ask and answer any questions you may have.

Typically, the following things happen during this meeting:

• They will carefully review all of your test reports and explain their meaning to you.
• Tells you about the stage of your cancer .
• They will tell you what treatment options are available to you, whether it's just surgery or whether other treatments are needed.
• If surgery is being performed, the advantages, disadvantages, and possible risks are explained.
• They will talk to you and decide what steps to take next.

The doctor will also ask you, "How are you?" He knows that cancer is a life-changing experience and that surgery can be scary. So he will also be concerned about your mental state.

What are the important questions to ask your doctor?

It's a good idea to write down some of your questions before you go to the appointment. That way, you won't forget anything. Here are some examples:

• What other treatments will I need in addition to this surgery? (e.g., chemo, radiation therapy)
• What is the main goal of this surgery? (Cure the cancer or reduce symptoms?)
• What is the success rate of this surgery?
• Will I need to have more than one surgery?
• Are there any alternative treatments that can be done without surgery?
• How long will I have to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
• How long will it take me to return to normal life?

What is the difference between a Medical Oncologist and a Surgical Oncologist?

These two names are often confused. This table will help you understand the main difference between the two.

Often, you will need to see both of these specialists, as many cancers require both surgery and drug treatment.

Fighting cancer is a difficult journey. But you are not alone. There is a team of skilled and dedicated doctors to help you and give you the best treatment. The Surgical Oncologist is a very important member of that team. Now you have a good understanding of him and what he does. So face this journey without fear and with courage. Talk to your doctor about everything openly.