Surgical oncology
Surgical Oncology
Surgical oncology (pronunciation: sur-ji-kal on-kol-o-ji) is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on the surgical treatment of cancer. The term is derived from the Greek words "surgikos" (meaning handwork) and "onkos" (meaning mass or tumor), indicating its focus on the physical removal of cancerous growths.
History
The practice of surgical oncology has its roots in ancient times, with the earliest recorded attempts at cancer surgery dating back to the Egyptians in 1600 BC. However, it was not until the 19th century that surgical oncology began to take shape as a distinct discipline, with the advent of anesthesia and antisepsis.
Role in Cancer Treatment
Surgical oncologists play a crucial role in the multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment. They are responsible for diagnosing cancer through biopsy, staging the disease to determine its extent, and performing surgery to remove tumors. In some cases, surgical oncologists may also perform palliative surgery to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for patients with advanced cancer.
Training and Certification
To become a surgical oncologist, a physician must first complete a residency in general surgery, followed by a fellowship in surgical oncology. This specialized training provides the skills needed to perform complex surgical procedures and manage the unique challenges associated with cancer surgery. In many countries, certification in surgical oncology is granted by a professional board or college, such as the American Board of Surgery in the United States.
Related Terms
- Cancer: A group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.
- Oncology: The study of cancer.
- Radiation Oncology: A branch of oncology that uses radiation to treat cancer.
- Medical Oncology: A branch of oncology that uses medications, including chemotherapy, to treat cancer.
- Palliative Care: Specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses, focusing on providing relief from symptoms and stress.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Surgical oncology
- Wikipedia's article - Surgical oncology
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski