Surgical Oncology
Surgical Oncology at Baylor Scott & White Surgicare Plano Alliance
Surgical oncology is a specialized field of surgery focused on diagnosing, staging, and treating cancer through surgical procedures. Surgical oncology is vital in comprehensive cancer care, often in conjunction with medical oncology, radiation therapy, and other treatment modalities. For many patients, surgery can be an essential step in managing and potentially removing cancerous growths.
The Role of Surgical Oncology in Cancer Treatment
Surgical oncology may serve several purposes, including:
- Diagnosis: Surgeons obtain biopsies to determine the type and extent of cancer.
- Treatment: Removing tumors or affected tissue may help manage cancer and improve quality of life.
- Prevention: Some surgeries aim to reduce the risk of cancer in high-risk individuals.
- Reconstruction: Procedures that restore function or appearance following tumor removal.
Each surgical approach is tailored to the patient’s unique diagnosis and overall health. Individual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including cancer type, stage, and the patient’s response to treatment.
Considerations and Recovery
The recovery process following surgical oncology procedures varies depending on the type of surgery performed, the patient’s overall health, and other factors. Some patients may experience shorter recovery times with minimally invasive techniques, while others may require more extended rehabilitation. Surgeons work closely with patients to develop comprehensive recovery plans, which may include:
- Pain management strategies.
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation as needed.
- Post-operative monitoring for potential complications.
- Follow-up treatments to address any remaining cancerous cells.
Advancements in Cancer Surgery
Surgical oncology continues to evolve with ongoing advancements in techniques and technology. Research suggests that robotic-assisted and minimally invasive approaches support precision and improve patient recovery times. Emerging innovations, such as intraoperative imaging and personalized surgical planning, may enhance surgical precision and patient outcomes.
Is Surgery the Right Option for You?
Whether surgical oncology is the right approach depends on several factors, including cancer type, stage, and individual health considerations. Patients are encouraged to discuss their options with a multidisciplinary team to explore the most appropriate treatment strategies.
Take the Next Step
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, Baylor Scott & White Surgicare Plano Alliance is here to provide surgical oncology care. Our team is committed to personalized treatment planning and working to ensure that each patient receives comprehensive, compassionate care.
Schedule a consultation with one of our physicians today to learn more about your options and how we can support your cancer treatment journey.
Diagnostic Testing for Spine Pain
Back pain may also be a symptom of a more serious problem. Other symptoms that can indicate a more serious problem include:
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs
- Back pain after physical trauma
- Back pain that gets worse at night
- Unexplained weight loss
- Back pain with a throbbing sensation in the abdomen
- Fever
Your doctor may recommend the following tests:
- X-ray – uses radiation to produce pictures of the spine and joint outlines. This procedure is performed to look for potential causes of pain, such as spinal malalignment, tumors, infections, fractures, etc.
- Magnetic resonance imaging – uses powerful magnets and computer technology to produce three-dimensional (3D) images of the spine.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan with 3D reconstruction – shows detailed pictures of the bone, soft tissues and nerves.
- Electromyography or nerve conduction velocity testing (EMG/NCV) – neurophysiologic testing of the nerves to help locate the compression or other neural pathology.
Spine Treatment
Conservative, noninvasive treatments, including pain management and physical therapy, are typically the first step and have shown tremendous results in many patients.
- Medications
- Over-the-counter or prescription drugs which can be taken orally (ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen) or topically (gels, lotions, creams, patches, sprays, which contain ibuprofen and lidocaine)
- Muscle relaxants
- Antidepressants
- Steroid injections
- Opioids
- Other Treatments
- Cold or hot packs
- Physical therapy
- Lifestyle changes
Spine Surgical Procedures
One of the following surgical treatments may be recommended if nonsurgical procedures don’t ease the pain:
- Microdiscectomy – a minimally invasive spine surgery for removing disc material that has herniated or moved to an abnormal location, causing pressure on the spinal cord, sac of nerves or spinal nerve roots.
- Spinal fusion surgery – permanently connects two or more vertebrae in the spine, eliminating motion between them.
- Spinal decompression (laminectomy) – creates space by removing the back part of the vertebra that covers the spinal canal and enlarges the spinal canal to relieve pressure on the spinal cord, sac of nerves, or nerve roots.
- Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty – a minimally invasive spine surgery to stabilize a spinal compression fracture.
- Spine fracture and spinal cord injury surgery – noninvasive, minimally invasive or invasive procedures to decompress and stabilize spinal fractures and treat spinal cord injury.
- Deformity spinal surgery – involves spinal fusion surgery and instrumentation to improve the spine’s alignment for those with scoliosis or kyphosis.
- Anterior cervical surgery – surgery for decompressing the cervical spinal cord or nerves through the front of the neck.
- Artificial disc surgery – replacement of the disc in the neck with an artificial disc
- Cervical disc herniation and arthroplasty – removing the disc in the neck that is causing pain/numbness and stabilizing the space with hardware and bony material to cause the bones to grow together
- Minimally invasive spine surgery – surgery performed with specialized instruments and techniques, such as:
- Minimally invasive lumbar discectomy – removal of disc material that has pushed out of its normal space
- Minimally invasive lumbar spinal fusion surgery – using hardware to stabilize the spine and cause the bones to grow together
- Discectomy – remove one of the discs that cushions between the vertebrae because the soft tissue disc is out of place and causing pain/numbness/weakness
- Foraminotomy – increasing the space in the bone where the nerve exits the spine to create more room
- Laminotomy – opening in the back part of the spinal bones to create more room for the spinal cord
What Happens After Surgery
When the surgery is complete, you will be transferred to the recovery room where you will meet your post-op nurse. You may feel groggy, dizzy and/or nauseous from the anesthesia and you will still have tubes and monitors attached at various points on your body. The nurse will monitor your vital signs and keep you comfortable, administering medications for pain and nausea as needed.
You may be asked to walk with assistance as this is the best way to help alleviate pain without medications. Your safety is our number 1 priority. Before discharge, your doctor will:
- Give you instructions to understand your pain medication plan
- Give you instructions on identifying, caring and preventing infection
- Discuss fall precaution
- Inform you how to contact your surgeon in case of emergency
- Make sure you have all the necessary equipment
- Schedule a follow-up visit
