What is oncology?
Oncology is the term referring to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of all types of cancer. Cancer is a disease that stems from changes within your cells that result in abnormal cell growth and reproduction.
It might seem counterintuitive, but to function normally, your cells must complete their lifespan and die. Then, your body can replace them with new cells. If you have cancer, the cells continue to grow and divide without dying at a normal rate.
As cancerous cells accumulate, they use nutrients that would otherwise go to your healthy cells. This process can compromise your immune system and other critical bodily functions. Some cancers are malignant, meaning they can spread to other areas of your body via your blood or lymphatic fluid.
When might I need oncology services?
Florida Lakes Surgical offers oncology services to diagnose and manage many types of cancer. Since cancer can affect nearly any part of your body, there are many different approaches for diagnosing and treating it.
Among other areas, the Florida Lakes Surgical team frequently helps patients diagnose or treat cancer originating in their:
- Breast
- Thyroid
- Colon
- Stomach
- Skin
To diagnose cancers like these, advanced testing might be necessary. For example, a biopsy can help the Florida Lakes Surgical team identify cancerous cells under a microscope within a tissue sample.
If colorectal cancer is a possible diagnosis, the Florida Lakes Surgical team might recommend a colonoscopy to observe changes within your colon and rectum. They can also use a colonoscopy to obtain a tissue biopsy.
What is port placement?
Port placement is a minor surgery available at Florida Lakes Surgical. During the procedure, your surgeon makes a small incision about an inch in length. They place a hollow plastic tube called a catheter below your clavicle and through the incision into a vein.
Your port is useful in helping manage your cancer. Through the port, your providers can draw blood for samples and testing. They can also use the port to deliver medications, fluids, nutrients, and even blood transfusions if they’re necessary as part of your treatment.
Chemotherapy, a standard cancer treatment, relies on a port. During chemotherapy, medications that target cancerous cells enter your system through the port. This treatment can help shrink tumors. Chemotherapy might be your only treatment for cancer or one of several.
To learn more about oncology, receive cancer testing, or schedule a consultation for port placement, call Florida Lakes Surgical or book an appointment online today.
