Oncology is about studying cancer. An oncologist is a doctor who carries out cancer treatment. The diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of several types of cancers or tumours are carried out by the excerpts who have vast medical knowledge and have specialised under the classification of Medical Oncologist, Radiation Oncologist, and Oncosurgeons or surgical oncologist.

Medical Oncologists:

A medical oncologist diagnoses the type of cancer, runs tests to determine the stage, and decides the course of treatment, such as radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, etc.

Radiation Oncologist:

In some cases, radiation treatment is used to attack the cancer cells, which is a vital part of treatment. The treatment plan is designed by the radiation oncologist, wherein the oncologist decides the dosage and cycles for faster recovery.

Surgical Oncologists:

The malignant tumours are removed by the Oncosurgeons or surgical oncologists through minimally invasive or invasive procedures. They also extract the tissue samples to conduct biopsies to ascertain the type of cancer via lab tests.

Apart from these experts, there are few specialists that deal exclusively with specific kinds of cancers such as Blood cancers, Lung cancer, cancers of reproductive organs, and other cancers.

When To Consult An Oncosurgeon?

The first step in cancer treatment is always to consult with a medical oncologist. The oncologist will perform imaging tests like CT, PET-CT, MRI, and blood tests for diagnosis. To acquire the best treatment facilities, it is imperative to consult the best doctor for stomach cancer in Mumbai. In the later stage, the patient might have to undergo minor surgery to collect tissue samples for a biopsy carried out by the surgical oncologist.

Surgical oncologists are medical professionals who are extensively trained to perform several minimally invasive or open invasive procedures to excise complex tumours. In many cases, the surgical intervention helps in relieving the pressure, pain, discomfort and improves the quality of life.

What Does A Surgical Oncologist Do?

  • Carries out the tissue sample extraction process from the tumour site for biopsy.
  • Locate the tumour, identify if it has spread across other parts and is interfering with the organs functioning.
  • Extract the tumour partly or entirely.
  • Figure the tissue condition and remove it to prevent the spreading of cancer cells.
  • If needed, then carry out reconstructive surgery of the body part.

Do All Cancers Need Surgery?

The doctor with expertise in the field would decide if the patient needs to undergo surgery for their cancer type. Cancer surgeries are of various kinds. Just like the multiple types of cancers, surgical options are available for different types. With advancements in medicine, these procedures can be performed minimally invasive or open surgery.

A highly trained stomach cancer specialist in Mumbai offers extensive surgical and post-surgery care to ease the symptoms and ensure a quick recovery.

Types of Cancer Surgeries:

  • Curative Surgery
  • Diagnostic Surgery
  • Restorative Surgery
  • Preventive Surgery
  • Debulking Surgery
  • Staging Surgery
  • Palliative Surgery

The experts take into consideration several factors before concluding surgery as an option for treating cancer. Following are a few factors in deciding the same:

  • Location of cancer
  • Type of cancer or tumour
  • Cells growth rate
  • Metastasis of the cancer cells

The doctor may not consider surgery as an option depending on the type of cancer and other factors such as – the long-term side effects and if the quality of life will be compromised with the surgery.

How Long Would It Take To Recover Post Surgery?

The recovery time after the surgery ultimately depends upon the cancer type and the surgical procedure. Patients whose treatment was carried out through minimally invasive surgery would function appropriately within a couple of days. However, in the case of open surgery treatment, the recovery time would be from a week to ten days.

For detailed cancer care information, consult Mumbai’s best doctor for cancer treatment.