Surgical Oncology (Cancer Surgery)
What is surgical oncology?
Surgery is the most common way to treat cancer. It is used to diagnose as well as treat some cancers. Certain types of cancer may only require surgery, while others may require a patient to also receive chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Surgeons work closely with other surgeons, oncologists and other members
of the team to set standards for cancer surgery and review the most recent
techniques and treatments. This will ensure that all patients in our region
can receive the best and most current treatments available close to
home.
What is the process for receiving cancer surgery?
Usually your family doctor will refer you to a surgeon specializing in your particular problem. During that consultation, you and the surgeon will determine if and when surgery or other treatments are required.
If required, surgery most often takes place in a hospital. Patients may
have day surgery or require an overnight stay in the hospital. Some minor
procedures or biopsies can take place in the Cancer Centre or in a doctor’s
office.
How long do I have to wait for my cancer surgery?
The length of time for someone to receive their cancer surgery will vary depending on their problem. Hospitals within our region (Waterloo-Wellington) measure the time that a patient will wait. This information can be viewed at by clicking here.
As part of the Ontario plan to reduce the time someone waits for their
cancer surgery, the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has funded four
hospitals in our region to do more surgery for breast cancer, bowel cancer
and prostate cancer.
ADVANCES IN CANCER SURGERY
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Breast Cancer
Breast cancer spreads through the lymphatic system which is why when a woman
has surgery for her breast cancer, the surgeon usually removes lymph nodes
(or glands) from under the arm on the same side of her surgery. This is
important to determine whether the cancer has spread to the
lymph nodes. A complication of removing these nodes or glands is called lymphedema (swelling of the arm).
Surgeons can now identify the one lymph node that gives them the information they need, and remove that single lymph node. This is called sentinel lymph node biopsy. It causes fewer problems after surgery for the patient and is more accurate in determining the stage of the breast cancer.
Total Mesorectal Excision for Rectal Cancer
This is a new surgical technique for the removal of rectal cancers that is
safer and may reduce the chance of the cancer recurring.