Oncologic surgery is a medical specialty dedicated to the surgical treatment of cancer. It intervenes at different stages of the disease, from confirmation of the diagnosis to management of recurrences.
In Turkey, surgical oncologists work closely with other healthcare professionals (physicians, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists) to develop an individualized and optimal treatment plan for each patient.
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Surgical oncology: An overview
Surgical oncology is a medical specialty that focuses on the surgical treatment of cancer. Working closely with other specialists (medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists),surgical oncologists use a multidisciplinary approach to provide personalized, comprehensive care for each patient.
The goals of oncologic surgery are many:
- Accurate diagnosis: Removing tissue for histologic analysis to determine the type of cancer and its stage of progression.
- Assessment of the extent of the disease: Determine the size of the tumor and its potential spread to nearby organs or distant sites.
- Curative or palliative treatment: Complete removal of the tumor and affected tissue, if possible, or reduction of the tumor mass to improve the patient's quality of life.
Our surgical oncologists in Turkey have recognized expertise in oncologic surgery. They are at the forefront of the latest technological advances and ensure the highest quality of care for their patients.
Types of oncologic surgery
Depending on the purpose of the surgery, there are different types of oncologic surgery:
- Curative surgery: Curative surgery aims to completely remove the tumor and all surrounding cancerous tissue. It is the most effective cancer treatment. However, it is not always possible, depending on the stage of the cancer and the location of the tumor.
- Palliative surgery: Palliative surgery aims to relieve symptoms of cancer, such as pain, pressure, or constipation. It may be used to remove part or all of a tumor or to implant devices such as stents or catheters to improve the function of an organ or structure.
- Tumor reduction surgery: Aimed at reducing the size of a tumor to make it more likely to respond to other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- Prophylactic surgery: Preventive surgery that aims to remove a healthy or at least cancer-free organ to eliminate the risk of cancer.
- Reconstructive surgery: It aims to rebuild a structure or organ damaged by cancer. It may be used to replace an organ or structure that has been removed or to repair damage caused by radiation or chemotherapy.
Surgical techniques
Surgical approaches in oncology include several methods:
- Open surgery: The traditional method, open surgery, requires an incision to access the tumor.
- Endoscopic surgery: Involves the use of fine surgical instruments that are inserted into the body through small incisions in the skin. It is often less invasive than open surgery and allows for a quicker recovery.
- Robotic surgery (robot-assisted): This involves the use of a surgical robot controlled by the surgeon from a remote console. Robotic surgery offers greater precision and control, which can be useful for complex procedures.
Choosing surgical oncology in Turkey
The choice of oncological surgery is a crucial step in the care of a cancer patient. This decision, taken in close collaboration with the doctor, is tailored to each individual situation.
There are many key factors to consider:
- Type and stage of cancer: Each cancer has specific characteristics that influence the choice of surgical treatment.
- Tumor location: The location of the tumor in the body determines the extent of the operation and the neighboring organs potentially involved.
- Patient's general state of health: The patient's other pathologies, age and physical condition are essential elements to be assessed prior to surgery.
Surgical oncology vs. medical oncology: what's the difference?
A diagnosis of cancer raises a host of questions, from waiting for results to starting treatment to the possibility of treatment failure or relapse. Faced with a difficult ordeal, patients need answers, advice and personalized support to help them understand their disease and participate in medical decisions.
In this context, oncology, whether surgical or medical, plays a central role in the overall care of cancer patients. The surgical oncologist operates to remove tumors, while the medical oncologist suggests appropriate drug treatments, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapies. This complementary approach is essential if patients are to have the best possible chance of recovery.
Comprehensive, personalized care from a multidisciplinary team is essential to optimize the chances of recovery and improve patients' quality of life.
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Firstly, the location of the tumor is of crucial importance, as some tumors can be found in delicate areas of the body. This makes surgical removal excessively risky due to the potential damage to vital structures. In addition, the size and extent of the tumor are also major considerations. Consequently, large or widespread tumors can make complete removal difficult, if not virtually impossible. In some situations, the tumor may also have spread to other areas of the body, making surgery less effective in achieving a cure.
In general, oncologic surgery requires general anesthesia. This involves the administration of intravenous drugs and inhaled gases to place the patient in a deep state of sleep, ensuring complete unconsciousness throughout the procedure. In addition, regional anesthesia techniques, such as epidurals or nerve blocks, may be used to target and relieve postoperative pain.
No, surgery for cancer does not spread the disease. Surgery is a common treatment for cancer, and it is very effective at removing cancerous tumors. In fact, surgery is sometimes the only cancer treatment.
However, there is a small risk that cancer cells may be released into the bloodstream during surgery. These cells can then move to other parts of the body and start new tumors. This is called metastasis.
The risk of metastasis is very low and is most likely to occur in cancers that are already advanced at the time of surgery.
