What is Oncology?

Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of various types of cancers or tumours. A vast medical speciality, the experts in this area are broadly classified into – Medical Oncologists, Surgical Oncologists or Oncosurgeons, and Radiation Oncologists.

Types of Oncologists:

1. Medical Oncologists:

A medical oncologist diagnoses the type of cancer, and its stage after running tests and decides upon the course of treatment like chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, immunotherapy etc.

2. Surgical Oncologists:

Oncosurgeons remove malignant tumours through invasive or minimally invasive procedures. They also conduct biopsies, by extracting the tissue sample for ascertain the type of cancer through lab tests.

3. Radiation Oncologist:

In certain cases, cancer cells are attacked with radiation and it forms a crucial part of treatment. A radiation oncologist draws a treatment plan as per the dosage, and cycles for a faster recovery.

Among these experts, few specialists deal exclusively with only certain types of cancers:

Cancers of Reproductive Organs:

Gynecologic Oncologists and Surgical Oncologists treat cancers related to reproductive organs like ovaries, cervical and uterine. 

Blood Cancers:

Hematologists for treating various types of blood cancers. 

Pediatric Oncologist:

These specialists diagnose and treat children and teenagers with different types of cancers like leukaemia, osteosarcoma, etc. 

Types of Cancers:

1. Head and neck cancer
2. Lung cancer
3. Breast cancer
4. Stomach and intestinal cancer
5. Cancer of the cervix, uterus, ovaries
6. Lymphomas and related blood cancers
7. Sarcoma Extremity/ Non- Extremity

When to Consult an Oncosurgeon?

Consultation with a medical oncologist is always the first step in cancer treatment, where the diagnosis is done by running certain imaging tests like CT, MRI, PET-CT and blood works. Subsequently, the patients may have to a undergo a small surgery for excising the sample tissue for biopsy, by a surgical oncologist. 

Surgical oncologists are extensively trained medical professionals for performing various open-invasive or minimally invasive procedures, for excising complex tumours. In many cases, the surgical intervention aids in relieving pain, pressure, discomfort and improves the quality of life. 

What Does a Surgical Oncologist do?

1. Extract sample tissue for biopsy from the site of tumour.
2. Locate the tumour, understand if it had spread to other parts and is interfering with the functioning of organs. 
3. Remove the tumour completely or a part of it.
4. Ascertain the condition of tissues and remove it to prevent cancer cells from spreading.
5. Installing an infusion port in case of supportive surgeries
6. Reconstructive surgery of the body part, if needed

Do all Cancers Need Surgery?

Cancer surgeries are of many types and the expert doctor would decide if the patient needed to go under the knife. Just like different types of cancers, surgical options are also many types. Thanks to medical advancements, these procedures can be either be open surgery or minimally invasive. 

Highly committed and internationally trained surgical oncologists at The Department of Oncology at Hiranandani Fortis Hospital, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, offer extensive surgical and post-surgery care not only for easing the symptoms but also for ensuring quick recovery.  

Types of Cancer Surgeries:

1. Diagnostic Surgery
2. Preventive Surgery
3. Curative Surgery
4. Staging Surgery
5. Debulking Surgery
6. Restorative Surgery
7. Palliative Surgery

The experts consider various factors like the following, before deciding if surgery is an option in treating the cancer.

1. Type of tumor or cancer
2. Location of cancer
3. Growth rate of the cells
4. Metastasis of the cancer cells

The doctor may rule out surgery as an option, depending again on the type of cancer cells and other factors like if it would compromise the quality of life and considering long-term side effects. 

How Long Would It Take To Recover Post Surgery?

The recovery time post-surgery is completely dependent upon the type of cancer and surgical procedure. Patients who were operated through minimally invasive surgery will be back on their feet within a couple of days. However, if the doctor recommends an open surgery, the recovery time may get extended from a week to ten days.  

For more information on cancer care at The Department of Oncology at Hiranandani Fortis Hospital, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, visit: Best Cancer care hospital in Vashi, Navi Mumbai