Key Features

• Scope of Practice:

  • Tumor Removal: Surgical oncologists perform surgeries to remove tumors, which can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous).
  • Staging: Surgical procedures may be conducted to assess the extent of cancer spread (staging) and determine appropriate treatment options.
  • Debulking: In some cases, surgery aims to reduce the size of a tumor to alleviate symptoms or make other treatments more effective.
  • Palliative Surgery: Surgery may also be performed to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for patients with advanced cancer.

• Types of Oncosurgery:

  • Curative Surgery: Aimed at completely removing cancerous tissues.
  • Preventive Surgery: Performed to remove tissues that may become cancerous in the future (e.g., prophylactic mastectomy).
  • Reconstructive Surgery: Often performed after tumor removal to restore appearance and function (e.g., breast reconstruction post-mastectomy).

• Collaboration: Oncosurgeons often work as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive cancer care.

Training

Oncosurgeons typically complete a general surgery residency followed by a fellowship in surgical oncology, gaining specialized training in the management of cancer.