Surgical oncology is a highly specialized field that treats cancer by removing it.
With every stage of solid cancer tumors, studies show that surgical oncology dramatically increases the survival rate. At her Laguna Hills, California, practice, board-certified robotic surgeon Dr. Elvira Klause offers surgical oncology as part of a comprehensive cancer management plan.
Many of our patients newly diagnosed with cancer ask Dr. Klause if they’re good candidates for this treatment approach. In this blog, we’re discussing surgical oncology and the factors Dr. Klause considers when evaluating you.
Surgical oncology uses surgery to diagnose, stage, and treat many types of cancer. It often involves removing tumors, the surrounding tissue, or even entire organs to prevent the spread of cancer.
Dr. Klause often uses the robotic surgery approach for surgical oncology because it’s the least invasive and most precise way to target tumors in many cases. Surgical oncology is a powerful tool.
Dr. Klause evaluates your condition and reviews your medical history to determine if surgical oncology is the best treatment for you.
Tumors in certain areas are difficult to reach safely, so a tumor in an inaccessible area may rule you out.
However, it’s important to note that Dr. Klause is renowned for using robotic surgery techniques to remove tumors that aren’t usually accessible with other surgical methods. Examples include the kidneys and prostate gland.
Generally, surgical oncology is most effective for people with early-stage cancers that have not spread to other areas.
For example, studies show that surgical oncology is highly effective for solid tumors in stages 1 and 2, with 12-year survival rates of more than 50% higher than patients not treated with surgical oncology.
But even in stage 3 cancers, surgical oncology patients have a 44% higher survival rate than those treated without it.
Many factors may contribute to her decision, including the size of the tumor, your general health, and your goals for cancer treatment.
For some people, other treatment options, including chemotherapy or radiation, might be the better option.
If you’re an optimal candidate for surgical oncology, Dr. Klause will work closely with you to develop the treatment plan. Our team is here to support you, answer questions, and guide you through your treatment journey. We believe fighting cancer is a team effort, and we’re here to help make your team as strong as possible.
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with cancer, Dr. Klause and our team are ready to discuss treatment options with you. Call the Laguna Hills office at 949-245-6910 or connect with us online. Our empathetic specialists are ready to help.
