Introduction
Cancer Surgery is a specialized branch of surgical oncology focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and removal of cancerous tumors. It plays a vital role in the management of many types of cancers by removing tumors, affected tissues, and, when necessary, nearby lymph nodes. Modern cancer surgery aims to achieve effective cancer control while preserving function, improving recovery, and enhancing quality of life.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that may require evaluation by a cancer surgeon include:
- Persistent lumps or swelling in any part of the body
- Unexplained weight loss
- Non-healing sores or ulcers
- Difficulty swallowing or persistent hoarseness
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Unusual bleeding or discharge
- Persistent pain without a clear cause
- Changes in skin lesions or moles
- Chronic cough or breathing difficulties
- Fatigue and loss of appetite
Common Procedures & Treatments
- Surgical Treatments:
- Tumor removal surgery (tumor excision)
- Organ-preserving cancer surgery
- Lymph node dissection and biopsy
- Head and neck cancer surgery
- Breast cancer surgery
- Gastrointestinal cancer surgery
- Thoracic cancer surgery
- Urological cancer surgery
- Gynecologic cancer surgery
- Reconstructive surgery following cancer removal
- Advanced Surgical Approaches:
- Minimally invasive laparoscopic cancer surgery
- Robotic-assisted cancer surgery
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy
- Cytoreductive surgery for advanced cancers
- Image-guided surgical procedures
- Reconstructive and microvascular surgery
- Multidisciplinary cancer treatment planning
- Post-surgical rehabilitation and recovery support
- Follow-up surveillance for cancer recurrence
- Personalized treatment coordination with medical and radiation oncology teams
