When it comes to cancer treatment, it's important to understand the difference between a surgical oncologist and a general surgeon. A surgical oncologist is a doctor who has been specially trained in the care of cancer patients and focuses their practice on treating cancer. They are general surgeons with specialized training in procedures to diagnose, stage, or remove cancerous growths. On the other hand, a general surgeon may be able to perform several cancer surgeries, but they are not as specialized as a surgical oncologist.
Surgical oncologists treat cancer through surgery, which includes removing the tumor and nearby tissue during an operation. This type of surgeon can also perform certain types of biopsies to help diagnose cancer. Depending on the patient's symptoms, the oncologist may request more tests to better understand their condition. At the end of the first consultation, the oncologist will give an idea of what the treatment will be like.
Radiation oncologists treat cancer with radiation therapy, which involves the use of high-energy x-rays or other particles to kill cancer cells. When treating cancer, surgical oncologists can remove all or part of the cancerous tumors, remove surrounding healthy tissue, or remove nearby lymph nodes. It is extremely difficult to answer questions related to everyone's satisfaction regarding the concept of the role of the surgical oncologist since it is not unanimously agreed upon. However, it is important to understand that a surgical oncologist has been specially trained in the care of cancer patients and focuses their practice on treating cancer.
They are general surgeons with specialized training in procedures to diagnose, stage, or remove cancerous growths.
