A surgical oncologist is a specialized surgeon who focuses on the surgical management of cancer. They are trained to diagnose, stage, and treat various cancers through surgical procedures, including tumor removal, biopsies, and reconstructive surgeries. Surgical oncologists work closely with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs. Their expertise extends to minimally invasive techniques, like laparoscopic and robotic surgeries, which help reduce recovery times and improve outcomes for cancer patients.
A surgical oncology fellowship is an advanced training program that follows general surgery residency, typically lasting 1 to 2 years. The fellowship provides in-depth training in the surgical management of cancer, including complex tumor resections, sentinel lymph node biopsies, and reconstructive techniques. Fellows gain experience with various types of cancers, such as breast, gastrointestinal, colorectal, and melanoma. The program also involves exposure to multidisciplinary tumor boards, research, and clinical trials, preparing surgeons to lead in the field of cancer treatment by combining surgical expertise with cutting-edge cancer care strategies.
