Ask a Surgical Oncologist About the Most Common Cancer Treatment

A surgical oncologist can perform the most common form of cancer treatment — surgery. According to the American Cancer Society, the process of excising cancerous tissues is the oldest and most common form of cancer treatment. It is a cancer treatment that is still effective in treating various types of cancers. If you want to find out what to ask a surgical oncologist about this common cancer treatment, here are some ideas.

What are the common reasons to have surgery for cancer?

A patient can have surgery for many reasons. One reason would be to get a sample of the tumor and see if it is a malignant or benign cancer. Surgery can also happen to find out where the cancer is or if it is spreading to other parts of the body. The patient can also have surgery to remove the whole tumor or some parts of it. A surgical oncologist can also relieve some side effects.

Patients can have surgery in the hospital, clinic, doctor’s office, or surgery center. The type of surgery and the time the patient needs to heal determine the venue of the surgery. Patients who have inpatient surgery must stay for at least a night in the hospital before or after the procedure. The surgical oncologist must then talk to the patient about the results of the surgery.

What are some of the common side effects of the surgery?

Pain is a common side effect of surgery. It can happen during and after the surgery. That is why a surgical oncologist works with an anesthesiologist to manage the patient’s pain. The location, amount of tissue taken, size of the surgical incision, and the amount of pain depends on the surgery.

Many patients become tired after surgery. Statistics show that fatigue is worse after chest or abdominal surgery. Stress, anesthesia, and appetite loss are common causes of fatigue after surgery. This surgical side effect usually fades about two to four weeks after the procedure.

Organ dysfunction can also happen. Specific organs may stop functioning for a while. One example is the paralysis of the intestines. This means that the intestine will not allow gas, food, and fluid to pass through. The condition is called ileus. It can cause stomach cramps, bloating, and vomiting.

Loss of appetite is common among patients after surgery. Because of general anesthesia, patients lose appetite and then lose weight. Patients usually regain normal eating habits and weight as they recover. The oncologist should know if the patient’s appetite does not come back.

What should the patient avoid before the surgery?

The patient should not drink alcohol or smoke tobacco weeks or months before surgery. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco delay wound healing. These substances also slow down the oxygenation of the blood. Without proper blood circulation, the surgical site will not heal right away.

Talking to a surgical oncologist can help prepare you for your surgery

It is difficult enough to know that you have cancer. Anticipating surgery may also cause more stress. Knowing everything you must know about the procedure will reduce your anxiety. Speaking to your surgical oncologist will provide a clear picture of the surgery that you need. By then, you could start preparing instead of worrying.

Get more information about Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center in Marlton at https://lindenbergcancer.com.

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