By Christine M Harrell

Oncology is the field of medicine related to treating cancer patients. When a person is suspected of having the disease and he lives in the Jacksonville area, he should be sure to quickly see a specialist in Jacksonville surgical oncology because it may be likely that surgery is indeed indicated as the best form of treatment.

Often, chemotherapy and radiation therapy alone can treat some cancers. But for the ones they can't, then the only way to successfully treat the problem is by surgery. The talented professionals who operate on these sufferers have been expertly trained in the field. After they graduated medical school, they had to study for three years in a hospital setting for a general residency.

After that, they had to train for at least five more intensive years solely in the field of operational oncology. With such vast experience, they then became ready to help diagnose and treat most any patient with the insidious disease in a surgical context. Many of these specialists also engage in substantive research in addition to their clinical, operating room responsibilities.

Sometimes patients don't make it. This is very sad to not only their families but to the surgical specialist who tried his best to save him by removing the cancerous tumors and legions. Many times, however, operations are extremely successful and they can even send the malady into remission, which is one of the best things that can happen for the sufferer.

There are many excellent health practitioners in this specialty in the local area. Some have received all of their education in Atlanta, while others come from all parts of the country before landing in the city to practice their superb hands on skills.

These practitioners also have to understand how to comfort and communicate with the patient's relatives before and after the operations. It's important that they manifest sympathy and compassion in these frightening and desperate times of need. These specialists can be men or women, and have a wide span of ages and experience. Many have been practicing their professional trade for forty years or more in the region.

The vast majority of them are in love with their work. They enjoy the feeling of loyalty and devotion that they have for and bring to the people they have to perform challenging procedures on in the surgical room. They are as a group very dedicated and ambitious individuals who work hard to get the best results possible in their chosen health care profession. It's important that they continue to greatly benefit the community because the incidence of the disease doesn't seem to be decreasing any time soon.

By Jacob M Garcia

You might not be feeling well or you have noticed some growths on your body that are making you nervous. What kind of doctor do you need to find to get the proper diagnoses and treatment options needed to continue living a healthy long life?

Most hospitals have a division of surgical oncology that deals specifically with both the management and treatment of tumors. You need to understand that not all tumors are cancerous, but nonetheless, you need expert advise in treating any condition that involves abnormal growths.

When you go to such a division, an experienced physician can determine the status of your condition and form a treatment plan that would be best for you. It's important to know that just because you go to a surgeon; it doesn't mean that surgery is the only option. Your physician will always start with the least invasive treatment options before considering more serious procedures. The doctor's in the division of surgical oncology are very experienced in all phases of treatment and will do what's needed to keep you healthy.

What experience do doctors in the division of surgical oncology need to have?

The simple answer is many years of intense education and training plus hours of practical experience. After 4 years of medical school and then a 2 to 4 year residency program, a prospective surgeon must then enter into an accredited fellowship program approved by the Society of Surgical Oncology. After the fellowship has been successfully completed, he or she must complete a difficult board exam to be labeled as a board certified surgical oncologist.

It's only after all of this that a surgeon has the opportunity to join a team in a reputable hospital's division of surgical oncology. Only the cream of the crop is chosen, so you know you are receiving the best surgeon to manage and successfully treat your condition.

What to look for in a quality division of surgical oncology?

It's good to look for a program that is accredited by the many surgical associations in the state it resides. Recognition is usually given for treatment excellence. A surgical oncology program is usually well connected with a vast hospital system and fully integrated with other complementary programs staffed by experts in the management and treatment of cancer.

Are the facilities up to your high expectations?

There's more to treatment than just surgery. From the exam, tests, diagnoses, treatment plan and follow-up care, you need a surgical oncologist that can allow you the best doctors, support staff, facilities and programs to successfully treat your condition. You and your doctor want only the very best outcome and all these pieces need to be in place to provide that opportunity.

In conclusion, not any division of surgical oncology will do. For the best outcome, you need to find the very best program. Don't settle for less, only the best will do.