Trauma of the Tumor: A Surgeon's Perspective on Promise and Performance

Trauma of the Tumor: 

A Surgeon's Perspective on 

Promise and Performance

Diagnosing a Tumor, Removing it Surgically and Proving it Histopathologically is just the beginning of the Tryst in the Journey of the Patient as well as the Surgeon. 

It can be a simple skin tumor that just needs a wide local excision (removal), or it could be a sinister small cyst or lump sitting on your ankle which turns out to be more malignant requiring chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Then there is the Risk of Recurrence. And all the explanations and expectations that go along with the loss confidence, each the same patient goes under the knife.

Common Misconceptions that people have while coming to a surgeon for opinion:

1. A surgeon will always suggest surgery.

2. Suture removal is the end of Treatment.

3. Surgery is the Last Resort.

4. Tumors tend to spread if touched by knife.

5. Any recurrence of the tumor is fault of the Surgeon.     

6. Patient will look same before and after cancer surgery.

7. Better to Wait for now than undergo surgery.

Facts and the Truth about Surgeons:

1. Surgeon considers surgery only if it is essential.

2. Regular Follow up is needed much later after suture removal.

3. Some tumors require only surgery, some surgery followed by chemo and radio therapy and vice versa.

4. Tumors are removed by the knife not spread due to them.

5. Recurrence is dependent on the extent of removal and on the malignant potential of the tumor.

6. A surgeon always tries to keep the cosmetic and functional aspects of the patient as near normal as possible while reconstructing after cancer ablative surgery.  

7. To wait or not to wait for surgery is best left to the surgeon to decide.

TRUST 

IS THE DECISIVE AND DEVISIVE FACTOR 

IN A PATIENT SURGEON RELATIONSHIP. 

And has to be Built Up from Both Ends.....