Oncological surgery is a branch of medicine that plays a crucial role in cancer treatment, aiming to remove tumors through surgical methods. In this field, it is applied in the treatment of many different types of cancer, primarily breast, lung, colon, liver, and pancreatic cancer.
What is Oncological (Cancer) Surgery?
Oncological surgery is a branch of medicine that encompasses all surgical methods used to treat cancerous tumors. This area typically aims to surgically remove cancerous cells in their early stages, before the tumor spreads to other parts of the body.
In addition, surgical interventions may be performed in advanced stages of cancer to reduce the size of the tumor or stop the spread of the disease. These surgical procedures may vary depending on the type of cancer, the patient's general health, and the location of the tumor.
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What diseases does Oncological (Cancer) Surgery treat?
Oncological surgery is a crucial method used in the treatment of cancer and includes surgical interventions for different types of cancer. These surgical procedures vary depending on the type and stage of cancer. Oncological surgery is performed for the following types of cancer:
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. Oncological surgery is a fundamental element of breast cancer treatment. In patients with early-stage breast cancer, surgical removal of the tumor is a crucial step towards curing the disease. Procedures such as breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy (removal of the entire breast) are chosen depending on the location of the tumor.
Digestive system cancers
The digestive system encompasses a crucial area where various types of cancer can develop. These include stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, and anal cancer. Surgical treatment of these cancers may involve removing the tumor, and sometimes reconstructing and surgically rearranging the intestines.
Cancers of the liver, bile ducts, and pancreas.
The liver, gallbladder, and pancreas are important organs of the digestive system. Liver tumors, gallbladder cancer, and pancreatic cancer are types of cancer that often require surgical intervention. These cancers may require the removal of part or all of the organ, depending on the stage of the disease.
Lung and chest cancers
Lung cancer is more common in smokers, but it is also associated with other environmental factors and genetic predisposition. Procedures such as lobectomy (removal of part of the lung) or pneumonectomy (removal of the entire lung) can be performed in the treatment of lung cancer. Thymus gland cancer also falls into this category.
Gynecological cancers
Cancers specific to women include uterine cancer (endometrial cancer), ovarian cancer, and cervical cancer. In the surgical treatment of gynecological cancers, the goal is to remove the cancerous organ and clear the surrounding tissues.
Urological cancers
Urological cancers are cancers that develop in the organs of the urogenital system. These include prostate cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and testicular cancer. Surgery for these cancers aims to remove the tumor while preserving the organ's function.
Endocrine cancers
Cancers that occur in the organs of the endocrine system include thyroid cancer (goiter), parathyroid cancer, and adrenal gland cancer (adrenal cancer). These cancers are often associated with hormone production, and the tumors are removed through surgical intervention.
Skin and soft tissue cancers
Skin cancer is more common, especially in areas exposed to sunlight. In addition, rare types of cancer, such as soft tissue sarcomas, also belong to this group. These types of cancers can usually be removed surgically.
Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin)
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that develops in the lymph nodes and lymphoid tissues located throughout the body. Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are treatable cancers and can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
Brain cancer
Brain cancer is cancer that develops in the brain tissue. Brain tumors can be removed surgically, improving the patient's quality of life. Surgical procedures for brain cancer vary depending on the size and location of the tumor.
Bone cancer
Osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma are cancers that develop in bones. These types of cancers are usually seen in young people, and some or all of the bone may be surgically removed.
Eye cancer
Retinoblastoma is a type of cancer that originates in the retinal cells of the eye and usually affects children. Eye cancer surgery aims to remove the tumor.
Oral and throat cancers
Oral cancer includes diseases such as gum cancer, tongue cancer, and laryngeal and pharyngeal (throat) cancer. Surgical treatment for these cancers aims to remove the tumor and clear the surrounding tissues.
Sarcoma (soft tissue cancers)
These are cancers that develop in soft tissues, such as muscles, connective tissue, and fat tissue. Soft tissue sarcomas can usually be surgically removed.
What are the diagnostic methods used in oncological surgery?
Oncological surgical diagnostic methods consist of a series of examinations and tests aimed at determining the type, stage, and extent of cancer spread. These methods play a crucial role in planning surgery and determining the success of the treatment process.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are an important step in helping to diagnose cancer. Some types of cancer can raise levels of certain biomarkers (cancer-related molecules) in the body. For example, the PSA test (prostate-specific antigen test) is used for prostate cancer, and the CEA test (cancer embryonic antigen test) is used for colon cancer.
Imaging Methods
Another important method used in cancer diagnosis is various imaging techniques. These methods visualize the size, location, and whether cancerous tumors have spread throughout the body. Commonly used imaging techniques include:
- X-ray: It is used particularly to detect certain types of cancer, such as lung cancer. It is a simple, fast, and effective imaging method.
- Ultrasonography (USG) It enables the visualization of organs and tissues using sound waves. It is used especially in liver, kidney and breast cancers.
- Computed Tomography (CT): It is used to obtain detailed and cross-sectional images. It is effective in determining how much cancer has spread in the body.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): It is used to image soft tissues in great detail. It is useful in the diagnosis of brain, spinal cord, pelvic region, and breast cancers.
- Positron emission tomography (PET): It is a method that measures the metabolic activity of cancer cells. PET scans are used to determine whether cancer has spread throughout the body.
Biopsy
Biopsy is the most critical step in the diagnostic process of oncological surgery. In this procedure, a sample is taken from the cancerous area and examined in a laboratory. A biopsy provides a definitive diagnosis of cancer and gives information about the type, stage, and characteristics of cancer cells. There are different types of biopsies:
- Needle biopsy: Cell samples are taken from the cancerous area using a thin needle. It is commonly used in breast, lung, and prostate cancers.
- Surgical biopsy: A larger portion of the tumor is surgically removed. This type of biopsy is usually preferred when the tumor is large or when needle biopsy may not be sufficient.
- Endoscopic Biopsy Cell samples are taken from internal organs using a device called an endoscope. It is used especially in stomach, esophageal and lung cancers.
- Bone marrow biopsy It is generally used to assess whether cancer has spread to the bone marrow. It plays an important role in the diagnosis of hematological cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma.
- MR fusion prostate biopsy: It is an advanced biopsy method used for more accurate detection of prostate cancer. In this technique, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data is combined with biopsy results to help provide a more accurate and precise diagnosis.
Genetic Tests
Genetic tests can help determine whether certain types of cancer develop for genetic reasons. In individuals with familial cancer syndromes, genetic tests are used to identify predisposition to cancer and to enable early diagnosis. For example, BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene tests are commonly performed to determine the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
Endoscopic Methods
Endoscopy is a technique used to directly view the inside of the body. This method allows for direct visual information to be obtained regarding cancerous areas. Endoscopic procedures such as colonoscopy (for colon cancer), gastroscopy (for stomach cancer), and bronchoscopy (for lung cancer) play a crucial role in the early detection of cancer.
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopic surgery is a technique used to diagnose cancers in the abdominal region. In this method, internal organs are examined using a camera inserted through a small incision. This method is useful in diagnosing liver, pancreatic, and stomach cancers and can be used to assess the extent of cancer spread.
What are the Oncological Surgical Treatment Methods?
Cancer treatment can be carried out using different methods depending on the type of cancer the patient has, its stage, the size of the tumor, and how far it has spread in the body.
While oncological surgical treatments aim to completely cure cancer, they can also be used to improve the patient's quality of life, reduce pain, and support other treatment methods. The main treatment methods in oncological surgery are as follows:
Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery is one of the most modern and effective surgical methods used in cancer treatment. This treatment method, using minimally invasive techniques, allows surgeons to perform operations with greater precision, control, and a lower risk of complications.
In recent years, the role of robotic surgery in cancer treatment has gained importance for many types of cancer. It is particularly successfully applied in the treatment of diseases such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and lung cancer. Robotic surgery allows for faster patient recovery through smaller incisions, while also reducing pain, infection risk, and complications.
Lumpectomy (Tumor Removal)
Lumpectomy is a commonly used surgical procedure in the treatment of breast cancer. In this method, only the cancerous tumor and a small amount of surrounding healthy tissue are removed. This procedure is less invasive than mastectomy and allows the patient to be treated while preserving their aesthetic results. Lumpectomy is generally preferred in early-stage breast cancer.
Mastectomy (Removal of the Breast)
Mastectomy is a common surgical approach in the treatment of breast cancer and involves the removal of the entire breast. Mastectomy is a recommended procedure when a tumor is located over a larger area, when cancer has spread to surrounding tissues, or when the patient has a family history of the disease.
There are different types of mastectomy, including total mastectomy (removal of the entire breast), radical mastectomy (removal of the breast and surrounding lymph nodes), and conservative mastectomy (removal of only the tumor area).
Lobectomy and Pneumonectomy (Lung Cancer Surgery)
In lung cancer, surgical removal of the tumor can be performed through lobectomy (removal of one lobe of the lung) or pneumonectomy (removal of the entire lung). These surgical methods allow cancer to be removed before it spreads to other parts of the body. It is usually applied in the early stages of lung cancer.
Colon Cancer Surgery
In the treatment of colon cancer, various surgical approaches are used to remove the cancerous area. These include colon resection (removal of a section of the large intestine) and colostomy (opening the intestines to the outside).
Colon cancer surgery can vary depending on the location of the tumor, and sometimes lymph node removal may be performed depending on the extent of cancer spread.
Liver Cancer Surgery
Surgical treatment for liver cancer aims to remove the tumor from its surrounding area. Hepatectomy is the surgical removal of the cancerous portion of the liver. In addition, liver transplantation is a preferred treatment option in some cases, especially when the tumor has spread to a large portion of the liver.
Pancreatic Cancer Surgery
In pancreatic cancer, surgical removal of the cancerous area is necessary. The Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) involves removing part of the pancreas, gallbladder, duodenum, and sometimes part of the stomach. This method is the most commonly used surgical approach in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Surgical Methods for Gynecological Cancers
In gynecological cancers, treatment generally depends on the type and stage of the cancer. For uterine cancer (endometrial cancer), hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) is the preferred surgical procedure, while for ovarian cancer, surgical removal of the ovaries may be performed. Additionally, for cervical cancer, cancerous tissue can be removed and lymph node dissection can be performed if necessary.
Surgical Methods for Urological Cancers
In urological cancers, surgical treatment aims to remove the cancerous organ. Prostate cancer treatment may include prostatectomy (complete removal of the prostate), kidney cancer treatment may include nephrectomy (removal of part or all of the kidney), and bladder cancer treatment may include cystectomy (removal of the bladder).
Surgical Methods for Endocrine Cancers
In endocrine cancers, the cancerous areas of the hormone-producing glands are surgically removed. In the treatment of thyroid cancer, all or part of the thyroid gland is removed, while for adrenal gland (adrenal) cancer, adrenalectomy (removal of the adrenal gland) is performed.
Bone Cancer Surgery
Treatment for bone cancer requires surgical removal of the cancerous bone. In bone cancers such as osteosarcoma, a large portion of the bone tissue may need to be removed. Additionally, bone tissue can be replaced with new tissue using bone prostheses or grafts.
Soft Tissue Cancer Surgery
Soft tissue cancers are a type of cancer that develops in muscles, fat, connective tissue, and nerves. In cancers such as soft tissue sarcomas, surgical removal of the tumor area is necessary. In soft tissue cancer surgery, preserving the healthy tissue surrounding the tumor is also an important goal.
Brain Cancer Surgery
Surgical treatment for brain cancer involves surgically removing the tumor. Brain tumors are removed very carefully to avoid damaging brain tissue. Brain cancer is treated using craniectomy (opening of the skull) and neurosurgical techniques.
