A surgical oncologist helps diagnose and treat cancer using advanced procedures and often works closely with medical and radiation teams to coordinate care. Many patients hear the term after an abnormal scan, biopsy, or referral, and want a clear explanation of what this specialist does. Understanding how this specialty fits into cancer care can make treatment decisions feel less overwhelming.
Surgical oncology is the branch of cancer that focuses on diagnosing, staging, and treating tumors with surgery. While some cancers respond primarily to medications or radiation, many cases require a surgical plan at some point in the treatment pathway. Surgical oncologists are introduced when they need to remove a tumor, reduce its size, or help prevent recurrence when appropriate. A surgical oncologist also evaluates whether surgery is the safest and most effective next step based on tumor type, location, and overall health.
Modern cancer care is increasingly multidisciplinary. A surgical oncologist collaborates with medical oncologists who manage chemotherapy and targeted therapies, as well as with radiation oncologists who plan radiation treatments. This team-based approach ensures that surgery aligns with other therapies rather than occurring in isolation. Care coordination helps patients move through treatment with clearer sequencing and shared clinical goals.
A key role of a surgical oncologist is to help confirm a diagnosis and determine the extent of disease. In some cases, this specialist performs biopsies or coordinates surgical biopsies when other methods are not ideal. Accurate tissue diagnosis is essential because cancer treatment depends on tumor type, grade, and molecular features. A surgical oncologist works with pathology teams to ensure tissue sampling supports reliable results.
Staging also guides treatment planning. Surgical procedures may evaluate lymph nodes or nearby tissues to determine whether the cancer has spread. This information affects whether surgery alone is appropriate or whether the oncologist will recommend additional therapy before or after surgery. During an appointment, the oncologist can explain staging results in practical terms and outline how they influence each patient's individual care plans.
A surgical oncologist performs tumor-removal procedures that aim to remove cancer while preserving healthy tissue whenever possible. Depending on the case, surgery may involve removing the tumor with a margin of healthy tissue to reduce the chance of microscopic disease remaining. Some procedures include lymph node assessment or removal to support staging and treatment decisions. Reconstruction planning may also be part of the process, especially when surgery affects appearance or function.
Many cancers require individualized technique selection. The surgical oncologist may introduce minimally invasive approaches, such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery, when appropriate to reduce recovery time and limit disruption to surrounding structures. Some cases require open surgery due to tumor size, location, or complexity. A surgical oncologist reviews options and explains why a specific approach best matches the patient's needs.
Surgery can occur at different points depending on the cancer type and stage. In early-stage cancers, surgery may serve as the primary treatment, followed by additional therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence. In other situations, the oncologist may recommend chemotherapy or radiation before surgery to shrink a tumor or address microscopic disease before surgery. This approach can make surgery more effective and improve health outcomes.
After surgery, additional treatment may still be necessary. For example, adjuvant therapy such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation may target remaining microscopic cancer cells and support disease control. A surgical oncologist remains involved in follow-up planning and coordinates with the larger oncology team.
A surgical oncology consultation focuses on the diagnosis, the proposed surgical plan, and what recovery may involve. The specialist reviews imaging, pathology reports, health history, and current symptoms to determine whether surgery is appropriate. Clear explanations and realistic expectations help patients prepare for decisions and next steps. The medical team will encourage patients to ask questions about risks, benefits, alternatives, and outcomes to ensure they have a full understanding of their treatment.
Preparation may include additional testing, medical clearance, and guidance for optimizing health before surgery. Patients may receive instructions regarding medications, nutrition, activity limitations, and supportive care needs. A surgical oncologist also discusses potential side effects, pain management, and wound care. Overall, this consultation lays the groundwork for a safer experience and smoother recovery.
A surgical oncologist plays a central role in cancer care by helping confirm diagnosis, guide staging, remove tumors, and coordinate treatment planning with a multidisciplinary team. This specialty supports personalized decisions about when surgery is appropriate and how it fits alongside chemotherapy, radiation, and other therapies. To consult a surgical oncologist, contact our Marlton office and schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://lindenbergcancer.com or call Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center at (856) 475-0876 for an appointment in our Marlton office.
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