Medical & Surgical Oncology

The role of a medical oncologist involves:

1. Cancer Diagnosis: Medical oncologists play a crucial role in diagnosing various types of cancer. They review medical histories, perform physical examinations, order diagnostic tests (such as imaging scans, biopsies, and blood tests), and interpret the results to determine the presence and extent of cancer.

2. Treatment Planning: Based on the diagnosis, medical oncologists develop treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific cancer type, stage, overall health, and personal preferences. They consider various treatment options, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and supportive care measures.

3. Systemic Therapies: Medical oncologists prescribe and administer systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, which involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. They also prescribe targeted therapy, which targets specific molecules involved in cancer growth, immunotherapy to boost the immune system’s ability to fight cancer, and hormone therapy to interfere with hormone- driven cancers.

4. Treatment Monitoring: Medical oncologists closely monitor patients throughout their treatment course. They evaluate treatment response, manage side effects, and make adjustments to treatment plans as necessary.

5. Palliative Care: Medical oncologists often collaborate with palliative care specialists to provide symptom management and improve the quality of life for patients with advanced or incurable cancers.

Surgical Oncology:

Surgical oncology is a specialized field of surgery that focuses on the surgical management of cancer. Surgical oncologists are surgeons who have undergone additional training specifically in the treatment of cancer through surgical intervention. They work in close collaboration with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive cancer care.

The role of a surgical oncologist involves:

1. Surgical Treatment: Surgical oncologists perform surgical procedures to remove cancerous tumors and surrounding tissues. The goal of surgery can be curative (removing the cancer completely) or palliative (relieving symptoms and improving quality of life).

2. Preoperative Evaluation: Surgical oncologists assess patients; overall health and determine their suitability for surgery. They may order diagnostic tests, review imaging studies, and consult with other specialists to plan the surgical procedure.

3. Intraoperative Care: During surgery, surgical oncologists use specialized techniques to remove tumors while preserving healthy tissues and critical structures. They may also perform lymph node dissections to assess the spread of cancer.

4. Postoperative Care: After surgery, surgical oncologists monitor patients closely and provide postoperative care, including managing pain, preventing complications, and promoting recovery.

5. Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Surgical oncologists work as part of a multidisciplinary team to develop comprehensive treatment plans for patients. They collaborate with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient care.

It’s important to note that medical oncology and surgical oncology often overlap, and the two specialties work together to provide integrated cancer care. The specific treatment approach depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as individual patient factors.