Onco-surgeon
Onco-surgeons, or surgical oncologists, specialize in the surgical treatment of cancer. The services in a hospital setting encompass a wide range of procedures and care activities, including:
1. Cancer Diagnosis:
o Performing biopsies to obtain tissue samples for pathological analysis.
o Conducting exploratory surgeries to determine the extent of cancer spread.
2. Surgical Treatment:
o Tumor Resection: Removing malignant tumors from various parts of the body.
o Lymph Node Dissection: Removing lymph nodes to check for cancer spread.
o Debulking Surgery: Reducing the size of large tumors when complete removal is not possible.
o Preventive Surgery: Removing tissues or organs at high risk of developing cancer (e.g., prophylactic mastectomy).
3. Reconstructive Surgery:
o Reconstructing areas affected by cancer surgery, such as breast reconstruction post-mastectomy.
o Working with plastic surgeons to restore function and appearance.
4. Minimally Invasive Surgery:
o Utilizing laparoscopic or robotic-assisted techniques to remove tumors with smaller incisions, leading to quicker recovery times and less post-operative pain.
5. Multidisciplinary Collaboration:
o Working with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, and other specialists to develop comprehensive treatment plans.
o Participating in tumor boards to discuss complex cases and determine the best treatment approaches.
6. Post-operative Care and Follow-up:
o Managing post-surgical recovery, including pain management, wound care, and monitoring for complications.
o Conducting regular follow-up appointments to monitor for recurrence and manage long-term side effects of cancer treatment.
7. Palliative Surgery:
o Performing surgeries aimed at relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with advanced or metastatic cancer.
8. Clinical Trials and Research:
o Engaging in clinical research to develop and evaluate new surgical techniques and cancer treatments.
o Enrolling patients in clinical trials to provide access to cutting-edge therapies.
9. Patient Education and Counselling:
o Educating patients and their families about surgical options, potential risks, and expected outcomes.
o Providing emotional support and resources to help patients cope with their diagnosis and treatment.