What questions should you ask a surgical oncologist?
When meeting with a surgical oncologist, consider asking questions such as:
What type of surgery do you recommend for my condition?
What are the risks and benefits of this surgery?
What is your experience with this type of surgery?
How should I prepare for the surgery?
What will my recovery process be like?
Are there alternative treatments available?
How will the surgery affect my overall cancer treatment plan?
What are the potential complications and how are they managed?
How long will the surgery take, and when can I expect to return to normal activities?
When should I consider seeing a surgical oncologist?
You should consider seeing a surgical oncologist if you have been diagnosed with cancer and surgery is a recommended part of your treatment plan. Additionally, if there is a suspicion of a tumor or abnormal growth that might be cancerous, a surgical oncologist can perform diagnostic procedures. Referral from your primary care physician or oncologist often indicates the need for specialized surgical intervention. Consulting with a surgical oncologist is also advised for a second opinion regarding the necessity, risks, and benefits of cancer-related surgeries.
Who is a surgical oncologist, and what do they do?
A surgical oncologist is a medical doctor specializing in the surgical treatment of cancer. They diagnose, stage, and treat cancerous tumors through surgical procedures. These specialists are trained in removing tumors, performing biopsies to determine the presence of cancer cells, and performing surgeries to prevent cancer spread. They also collaborate with other oncologists and healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to individual patients. Surgical oncologists often engage in research to improve surgical techniques and cancer treatment outcomes.
What is Surgical Oncology?
Surgical oncology is a field of medicine that uses surgery to treat cancer. Its main goal is to find harmful tumours in the body and remove them. Doctors who practice surgical oncology can find out if the disease has spread to other parts of your body.
Whom I should consult for Thyroid Tumours?
If you are worried about thyroid cancer, the first step you need to take is to visit your Head and Neck specialists. They can diagnose and treat your thyroid cancer so you can get on with your life.
How does radiation therapy work?
Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours.Cancer cells begin to die days or weeks after treatment starts, and continue to die for weeks or months after it finishes.
What are the symptoms of cancer?
The earlier cancer is detected, the greater the chance of curing it Change in bowel or bladder habits Unusual bleeding or discharge Thickening or lump in the breast or other parts of the body Anemia Changes on skin.
What are the most common types of cancer?
Non-melanoma Skin Cancer Breast Cancer Leukemia Kidney Cancer Pancreatic Cancer.
Can radiotherapy cause hair loss on the scalp?
Yes, radiotherapy can cause hair loss only when treating head, brain or scalp of a patient. It means hair loss is a common side effect that occurs in the area being treated with radiotherapy. Usually, hairs will start to fall out 2 to 3 weeks after treatment starts.
In a female, radiotherapy to the breasts will lose hair in the armpit and male hair loss will occur in facial/beard/mustache.
With radiotherapy of the head, brain and scalp, earlier the hair loss used to be permanent due to higher effect on the skin. In the present day, all these situations hairs start to regrow from 6 months to 1year in almost all people. In many it comes to the original level.
When should I visit the cancer specialist?
Earlier it used to be 7 warning signals of the cancer. Presently, since the cancer is not uncommon, the advice would be, any persistent (lasting beyond a couple of weeks or months), progressive (increasing in intensity despite regular medication) complaints not responding to regular medication requires investigation to rule out cancer. Consult Best Cancer Care Specialists in Bangalore at Aster CMI hospital.