** - Surgical oncology is a branch of surgery focused on the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of cancer. Surgical oncologists perform surgeries to remove tumors and surrounding tissue, provide biopsies, and manage cancer-related complications.

** - The top surgical oncology treatments include: - **Tumor Resection:** Removal of the tumor and surrounding healthy tissue. - **Lymph Node Dissection:** Removal of lymph nodes to check for cancer spread. - **Lumpectomy:** Partial removal of the breast tissue in breast cancer treatment. - **Mastectomy:** Complete removal of one or both breasts when treating advanced breast cancer. - **Colectomy:** Removal of all or part of the colon in colorectal cancer patients. - **Hysterectomy:** Surgical removal of the uterus in cases of gynecological cancers. - **Pancreatectomy:** Removal of part or all of the pancreas for pancreatic cancer. - **Stomach Resection:** Partial or total removal of the stomach for stomach cancer. - **Nephrectomy:** Removal of one or both kidneys for kidney cancer. - **Esophagectomy:** Removal of part or all of the esophagus in esophageal cancer cases.

** - Candidates for surgical oncology treatments typically include patients diagnosed with solid tumors localized to a specific area, where surgical removal may lead to a potential cure or can alleviate symptoms. The decision is based on tumor type, stage, patient’s overall health, and previous treatments.

** - Treatment selection is based on factors such as cancer type, stage, location, size of the tumor, patient’s health, and preferences. Multidisciplinary teams, including surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, and radiologists, often collaborate to devise the best plan.

** - Risks may include infection, bleeding, pain, and complications related to anesthesia. There may also be specific risks depending on the type of surgery, such as impacts on organ function, sensory changes, or altered body image.

** - Recovery varies based on the type and extent of surgery but generally involves a hospital stay, managing pain, wound care, and follow-up appointments. Rehabilitation or physical therapy may also be part of the recovery process to regain strength.

** - EMR (Electronic Medical Records) are vital in surgical oncology for maintaining comprehensive patient histories, coordinating care among multiple specialists, ensuring accurate documentation of surgical procedures, and monitoring post-operative outcomes.

** - Yes, non-surgical options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, which may be used alone or in combination with surgical treatments depending on the cancer's specific characteristics and stage.

** - Advancements in technology, such as robotic-assisted surgeries, minimally invasive techniques, and enhanced imaging technologies, have improved precision, reduced recovery times, and minimized postoperative complications in surgical oncology.

** - Patients can access various resources, including support groups, counseling, educational materials, and financial assistance programs. Oncologists often provide referrals to dietitians, physical therapists, and psychologists to support holistic care. This FAQ overview can serve as a foundational resource for your platform, Doctorsapp, enhancing patient understanding of surgical oncology treatments while emphasizing the role of EMR in effective patient care management.