National Surgical Oncology Day

Anyone who works so hard at ridding the world of cancer is deserving of a National Day to celebrate them. National Surgical Oncology Day is just that! I’ve had some friends who are still with us because of these amazing people and others that are not here, but not for lack of trying.

Surgical Oncologists are the folks that help to diagnose as well as treat or rid you of cancer through surgery. Oftentimes they will do this the least invasive way they can. I used to work for a doctor who specialized in robotic surgery and it’s the most amazing piece of equipment you can have in the OR. Not only is it the least invasive, but more accurate. Check out this robotic surgeon on YouTube© that I used to work for. Here, you can watch the Da Vinci in action. I will warn you of possible trigger images. It may be considered graphic tosome of you. Surgical Oncology is literally a life saver.

Order of diagnosis and/or treatment

Typically you call or come into an office due to concerns you are having about your health. Some questions are asked, bloodwork (called PSA) taken, and medical imaging ordered. There’s also a staging (to determine stage of cancer) called Gleason. Depending on the results of those tests, there may be a needle biopsy scheduled. The biopsy doesn’t lie. Once it’s determined that you need surgery there’s a few things that may or may not happen. I can tell you the way it typically happened in the office I worked for.

Radition would be recommended in oreder to reduce the size of a tumor for better ease of removal. They place what are called Fiducial Markers (small metal flakes that show on imaging) into the body to define and target lesions wihtin the soft tissue. This is so that the radiation is sure to hit it’s target. Once this stage is completed to satisfaction of the surgeon (assuming surgery is still required) you will then have a prostatectomy performed. Sometimes its a TURP while for more serious stages you may be advised to have a Radical prostatectomy. This isn’t all inclusive, but the most ocmmon things that happen. There will also be post surgical treatments with hormones and/or PSA screening every 6-12 months. Again, this is procedure for (not all inclusive) for Urology only. It may be different for other cancers.

In case you missed yesterday’s post just click here!