What Are the Common Myths About Surgical Oncology?

The Truth Behind The Very Well-known Surgical Oncology Myths-the Kolkata Connoisseur reveals the truth. Know what to believe and what to dismiss as you get the truth straight from the best in Kolkata.

Surgical oncology involves extremely integral parts of any type of cancer treatment and harbors innumerable myths, thus giving useless anxiety to the patients and their relatives. It is very important to know the facts of surgical oncology if one gets diagnosed as a cancer patient. In this article, we will discuss some common myths and misconceptions with surgical oncology and insight from experts in the field.

Some Common Myths About Surgical Oncology

Myth 1: Surgery is the Cure for Cancer

The most common misconception is surgery is a cure for cancer. Although surgery often forms part of a patient’s treatment, it is not usually treated by itself. Generally, in addition to surgery, other therapies are administered:

• Chemotherapy: Drugs are administered that kill or halt cells from multiplying.
  Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are provided that seek out and kill cells.
  
• Immuno-Therapy: It tries to improve the host immunity against the tumor.
  Surgery can be considered as independent or surgery can be considered in combination with the above treatment for the best treatment of the patient. Please consult your doctor and then he will guide you in the right direction, as to what will be the best suited for you.

Myth No. 2: Surgery For Surgical Oncology Is Only For Advanced Cancer Stages

Another myth is that oncologic surgery should only be applied when the cancer is advanced. Yet equally as common, however, are times where the best time to intervene surgically would be in one of these situations:

• Early-Stage Cancer: Most tumors will be removed before they ever have the opportunity to metastasize.
  
• Localized Cancer: If the tumor never leaves its local bed, surgery can cure the patient.
  
• Palliative Surgery: At the end stages, there are very few surgeries which actually improve the symptoms, and hence, the quality of life.

The stages and the type of surgery differ with the different conditions that vary, which means getting in contact with the best surgical oncologist in Kolkata may bring much-needed clarity regarding the best treatment course.

Myth 3: All Surgical Oncologists Are the Same

Patients take it very lightly that all surgical oncologists are trained and gifted with the same caliber of knowledge, far from it. The surgical oncologists can be specialized into various streams, though the enumerated ones include: 

• Breast Cancer Surgery: It mainly deals with breast tumor excision.
  
• Gastrointestinal Surgery: Cancers of the digestive system.
  
• Pediatric Surgical Oncology: Cancers in children.

The appropriate surgical oncologist in your type of cancer is such an important decision that determines treatment outcomes. Understand their training or specialization.

Myth 4: Surgery Always Involves Complications

Complications occur with every surgery, this too is a myth; the truth of the matter is not every surgery involves complications. Advancement in the technique of surgery has provided several ways that reduce recovery and complications, such as minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic surgeries, new anesthesia techniques that minimize the risks associated with surgery, and comprehensive pre-operative assessments to ensure the proper preparation of the patient. Most of the patients find the side effects manageable, and many experience an improved quality of life post-surgery.

Myth 5: Surgical Oncology Means Staying in the Hospital These Days

You are unlikely to have to spend many days in the hospital when you undergo surgical treatment for cancer. Most operations these days are now done on an outpatient basis. Depending on the surgery, patients can either:

• Leave the hospital on the same day of their operation
  
• Resume normal activity within days of the operation.
  
• Out-patient procedures these days, are making experience less painful and with faster recovery.

This change in consultancy practice means that expectations regarding the recovery time and stay in hospital should be discussed much better with the best surgical oncologist in Kolkata.

Read here for more:- Does Nutrition and Lifestyle Impact Cancer Surgery?

Manage Stress with Surgical Oncology

Oncological Surgery is intimidating but once the process is understood and the myths have been dispelled, knowledge can guide one in anxiety and fears. Here’s how

• Learn: Empowerment through education: know what you’ve got for a diagnosis and what’s in store for you with treatment options.
  
• Communicate with your medical team; they can only better inform you and ease your anxiety.
  
• Support Systems: Find family, friends, or even support groups to help one through this adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQ 1: What is the initial consultation with a surgical oncologist?

You will receive a review of your medical history; shortly thereafter, you will receive a physical exam, and hopefully, you will be able to discuss the outcome of any images or lab test that will have been taken. Your oncologist would explain what possible treatment, design, and personal care plan you would require.

FAQ 2: How soon after surgery can I expect to recover?

Recovery time is a function of the kind of surgery and can be mainly dependent on your health. Recovery periods could vary from several weeks to quite some time. The surgeon oncologist would be in the best position to give you an estimate of how long each of the specific recovery periods would be based on your case.

FAQ 3: Do I need some form of treatments or therapies after surgery?

Most patients will require adjuvant treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, depending on the type and extent of the primary cancer. You should be able to discuss your adjuvant treatment with your oncologist.

FAQ 4: What are warning signs that something is not right after surgery?

Examples include increases in such things as pain, fever, swelling or some other change in the area of surgery that seems unusual. In this case therefore, you should seek your doctor very fast in case you experience such symptoms.

Conclusion

Understanding the myths associated with surgical oncology might provide the chance of making the right health decisions. It could be that it is when the misconceptions are evaporated that patients can be more confident and vocal concerning their treatments. If further questions or further aid regarding your condition are required, then advise must come from the best among class surgical oncologist in Kolkata.