Surgical oncology is one of the important treatment methods of modern medicine. Thanks to developing surgical techniques and multidisciplinary approaches, success rates are continuously increasing. The most suitable treatment plan for each patient should be determined through joint evaluation by oncologists and surgeons. Early diagnosis, correct treatment, and regular follow-up are of great importance for a healthy life.
What is Surgical Oncology?
Surgical oncology is a treatment approach aimed at removing cancerous tumors and the affected tissues around them through surgical methods. It is often applied alone or in combination with other treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Depending on the stage of cancer, its spread, and the patient’s overall health, different surgical methods are preferred.
For which purposes is surgical oncology applied?
Cancer surgery is applied for different purposes in the management of the disease:
• Curtative Surgery: Aims to completely eliminate the cancer.
• Palliative Surgery: Aims to reduce pain and complications caused by advanced-stage cancer.
• Diagnostic (Biopsy) Surgery: Provides tissue samples to determine the type and spread of cancer.
• Prophylactic (Preventive) Surgery: Involves the removal of tissues or organs at risk of cancer as a preventive measure.
• Reconstructive (Restorative) Surgery: Involves the reconstruction of tissues for aesthetic and functional purposes, especially in breast or facial cancers.
Which diseases can be treated with surgical oncology?
Cancer surgery is an effective treatment method for many types of cancer, typically applied through the complete removal of tumor tissue in early stages of the disease. The most common cancer types treated with surgery include:
• Breast Cancer: Can be treated with mastectomy or lumpectomy.
• Lung Cancer: Lobectomy, segmentectomy, or pneumonectomy may be performed.
• Prostate Cancer: Surgical treatment is possible with radical prostatectomy.
• Colorectal Cancer: Cancerous tissues can be removed via colectomy or rectal surgery.
• Gynecological Cancers: Surgical treatment is common in cases of uterine (hysterectomy), ovarian (oophorectomy), and cervical cancer.
• Brain Tumors: Intervention is done via craniotomy or minimally invasive methods.
• Head and Neck Cancers: Surgical treatment is applied for cancers of the thyroid, larynx, and mouth.
Surgery is one of the most effective treatment options when the cancer has not spread or is limited. However, in advanced stages, it may need to be combined with other treatments.
When is surgical oncology not preferred?
In some cases, cancer surgery cannot be applied or is not preferred. These situations include:
• Widespread Metastasis of Cancer: If cancer has spread throughout the body, surgery may be ineffective.
• The Patient’s Overall Health Cannot Tolerate Surgery: It is risky for patients with serious health issues such as heart disease or respiratory failure.
• The Tumor is Located in a Surgically Inaccessible Area: Surgery may not be possible in sensitive areas like the brainstem.
• Cancer Cannot Be Completely Eliminated with Surgery: If the tumor has spread between organs, the benefits of surgery may be limited.
• Alternative Treatments Are More Effective: In some types of cancer, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiotherapy may provide better results, and surgery may not be recommended.
In such cases, the most appropriate treatment method for the patient is determined through a multidisciplinary approach.
What are the methods applied in surgical oncology?
Cancer surgery involves different surgical techniques depending on the organ or system where the disease is present:
1. Breast Cancer Surgery
• Mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast tissue.
• Lumpectomy: Removal of only the tumor tissue.
• Oncoplastic Surgery: Reshaping the breast after the removal of cancerous tissue.
2. Lung Cancer Surgery
• Lobectomy: Removal of the cancerous lobe of the lung.
• Pneumonectomy: Removal of the entire lung.
• Segmentectomy: Removal of a smaller portion of the lung.
3. Prostate Cancer Surgery
• Radical Prostatectomy: Removal of the entire prostate gland.
• Laparoscopic Prostatectomy: Surgery performed using minimally invasive techniques.
4. Colorectal Cancer Surgery
• Colectomy: Removal of a portion or the entire large intestine.
• Rectal Surgery: Removal of cancerous tissue from the rectum.
5. Gynecological Cancer Surgery
• Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus.
• Oophorectomy: Removal of the ovaries.
• Vulvectomy: Surgical removal of the external genital area.
6. Brain Tumor Surgery
• Craniotomy: Opening the skull to remove the tumor.
• Minimally Invasive Brain Surgery: Surgeries performed using robotic or endoscopic methods.
7. Head and Neck Cancer Surgery
• Laryngectomy: Removal of part or all of the larynx.
• Pharyngectomy: Surgical interventions for throat cancers.
• Thyroid Surgery: Removal of the thyroid gland due to thyroid cancer.
Are there any risks?
Like any surgical procedure, cancer surgery carries certain risks:
• Risk of bleeding and infection,
• Anesthesia-related complications,
• Risk of thrombosis (blood clotting),
• Loss or damage of organ function,
• Pain and limited movement during the recovery process.
What is the recovery process like after surgical oncology operations?
The recovery process after surgery depends on the patient, the extent of the surgery, and additional treatments. Generally, the following should be considered:
• Pay attention to wound care,
• Stay alert for signs of infection,
• Participate in physical therapy and rehabilitation processes,
• Do not neglect regular doctor check-ups,
• Eat a healthy diet and strengthen the immune system,
• Adjust physical activity according to the doctor’s recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cancer Surgery
1. Can cancer recur after cancer surgery?
Yes, in some cases, cancer may recur. Therefore, regular follow-ups and additional treatments are crucial.
2. Can all cancer cells be removed during surgery?
The goal is to remove as much of the cancerous tissue as possible. However, additional treatments may be applied for any cells that remain at the microscopic level.
3. How long does the surgery take?
The duration of the surgery can vary depending on the type of cancer and the scope of the surgery. It can take between 1 to 6 hours on average.
4. When can I return to normal life after surgery?
This depends on the size of the surgery. After minor procedures, recovery may take a few weeks, while more extensive surgeries may take a few months.
5. In which cases is cancer surgery not suitable?
Cancer surgery may not be recommended if the cancer is widespread, the patient’s health is not suitable for surgery, or if other treatment methods are more effective
Sources:
- National Cancer Institute (NCI)
- American Cancer Society (ACS)
- Mayo Clinic
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Johns Hopkins Medicine
- MD Anderson Cancer Center
- Cleveland Clinic
- Stanford Medicine
- Harvard Health Publishing
- Cancer Research UK