SURGICAL ONCOLOGIST
Surgical oncology is the branch of surgery, which focuses on the management of cancer using surgical techniques. The three main types of oncologists are medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists. These different types of oncologists often work together to derive the best treatment for a person with cancer.
What do they do?
The most common oncological surgeries are done by general surgeons and is likely to continue to be done by general surgeons for the foreseeable future. Breast cancer and colon cancer, for instance, the two most common cancers surgical oncologists deal with, are primarily dealt with by general surgeons, particularly when they are uncomplicated cases. Surgical oncologists are more highly trained, and take care of complex and severe cases. A lot of what a surgical oncologist learns and brings to the table can be learned outside of a fellowship through experience taking care of cancer patients.
Workplace:
Surgical oncologists primarily work in the hospital setting where there is state of the art Intensive Care units (ICU’s) available for patients with cancer.
What do they do?
The most common oncological surgeries are done by general surgeons and is likely to continue to be done by general surgeons for the foreseeable future. Breast cancer and colon cancer, for instance, the two most common cancers surgical oncologists deal with, are primarily dealt with by general surgeons, particularly when they are uncomplicated cases. Surgical oncologists are more highly trained, and take care of complex and severe cases. A lot of what a surgical oncologist learns and brings to the table can be learned outside of a fellowship through experience taking care of cancer patients.
Workplace:
Surgical oncologists primarily work in the hospital setting where there is state of the art Intensive Care units (ICU’s) available for patients with cancer.