Onco Surgery & Oncology
Contents
About Onco Surgery & Oncology
Onco Surgery & Oncology is the medical specialty dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer through surgical and non-surgical methods. Oncology is broadly divided into Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, and Radiation Oncology.
Onco surgery involves removing tumors and cancerous tissues from the body to prevent the spread of cancer. It’s often part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan, including chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies. Early detection and personalized care plans play a crucial role in improving outcomes.
Types of Oncology & Onco Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
Focuses on removing solid tumors through surgery. It includes:
- Biopsy: Removing a tissue sample for diagnosis
- Curative Surgery: To completely remove cancer
- Debulking Surgery: To reduce tumor size
- Palliative Surgery: To relieve symptoms in advanced cancer
- Medical Oncology
Uses chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy to treat cancer systemically.
- Radiation Oncology
Utilizes high-energy radiation to kill or shrink cancer cells. Often combined with surgery or chemotherapy.
- Minimally Invasive Onco Surgery
Performed with laparoscopic or robotic assistance to reduce pain, scarring, and recovery time.
- Reconstructive Surgery
Rebuilds tissue after major tumor removal, common in breast, head, neck, and facial cancers.
Common Cancers Treated
- Breast Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Head & Neck Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Pancreatic & Liver Cancer
- Ovarian & Cervical Cancer
- Esophageal & Gastric Cancer
- Brain Tumors
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas
- Thyroid & Endocrine Tumors
Risk Factors
Cancer treatment is complex and carries potential risks, especially during surgery and chemotherapy:
- Bleeding or Infection after surgery
- Anesthesia-related complications
- Post-operative pain or swelling
- Nerve or organ damage, depending on surgery location
- Delayed wound healing
- Chemotherapy side effects like nausea, fatigue, immune suppression
- Radiation side effects such as skin burns, fatigue, or tissue damage
- Cancer recurrence despite treatment
Proper planning, diagnostics, and post-operative care help reduce these risks significantly.
Investigations & Diagnostics
Diagnosis is critical for staging and planning treatment. Typical tests include:
- Biopsy (Fine Needle, Core, or Excisional)
- Imaging: CT scan, PET scan, MRI, X-ray
- Endoscopy or Colonoscopy (for gastrointestinal tumors)
- Tumor Marker Blood Tests
- Bone Scan or Mammography
- Genetic & Molecular Testing (for personalized therapies)
Side Effects of Treatment
Cancer treatment may cause short or long-term side effects:
- Hair loss, fatigue, and nausea (common with chemotherapy)
- Infection risk due to low immunity
- Skin irritation or burns after radiation
- Pain or numbness after surgery
- Hormonal imbalances after reproductive organ surgeries
- Lymphedema (fluid retention) in breast or pelvic cancers
- Digestive changes, especially after GI surgeries
Supportive therapies help manage these effects and improve comfort during recovery.
Success Rate
Cancer survival rates vary by type, stage at diagnosis, and treatment method. With early detection and advancements in surgical techniques, survival rates have significantly improved.
|
Cancer Type |
Approximate 5-Year Survival Rate |
|
Breast Cancer (early) |
90%+ |
|
Colorectal Cancer |
65–70% |
|
Prostate Cancer |
98% |
|
Head & Neck Cancers |
60–80% |
|
Lung Cancer (localized) |
50%+ |
|
Cervical Cancer |
70–80% |
Multidisciplinary oncology care ensures personalized, safe, and effective outcomes.