Department of
Surgery

Surgical Oncology

Aims

  1. To become familiar with the recognition and natural evolution of those surgical oncology conditions that he/she would be expected to encounter in a general surgical practice in a community lacking the immediate availability of a surgical oncologist.
  2. To become familiar with the pathophysiology of various surgical oncology conditions and the specific physiologic responses of cancer patients to operative and nonoperative treatment.
  3. To become familiar with the pathophysiology of various surgical oncology conditions and the specific physiologic responses of cancer patients to operative and nonoperative treatment.
  4. To particularly understand the following oncologic diseases: breast cancer, colorectal cancer, melanoma, sarcoma, thyroid cancers, pancreatic cancer, liver cancers, lung cancer, stomach cancer, bile duct tumors.
  5. To begin to appreciate the multidisciplinary approach to cancer therapy and the role surgical specialists play on that team
  6. To reinforce educational experiences obtained on general surgery services, especially with regards to bowel obstruction and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Educational Objectives

  1. Take relevant history.
  2. Perform an acceptable physical exam concentrating on the relevant areas.
  3. Arrive at an appropriate differential diagnosis.
  4. Order appropriate laboratory, radiological and other diagnostic procedures and demonstration of knowledge in the interpretation of these investigations.
  5. Arrive at an acceptable plan of management and demonstration of knowledge of the appropriate operative and nonoperative management of the disease process.
  6. Understand the outpatient management of cancer patients in the ambulatory setting and demonstration of knowledge of common office techniques and procedures.
  7. Understand the management of the cancer patient throughout the entire in-hospital course. Demonstrating knowledge of and being able to treat potential complications of disease processes and operative procedures and their treatment.
  8. Provide an appropriate plan for cancer patient follow-up.