Training pathway
MBBS, then a master's in general surgery, then super-specialty training in surgical oncology (MCh or an accredited fellowship). Training covers tumour biology, staging, oncoplastic and reconstructive technique, lymphadenectomy, and the management of complications of cancer treatment.
How the roles differ
A medical oncologist delivers chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy. A radiation oncologist plans and delivers radiotherapy. A surgical oncologist performs the operation and coordinates the surgical part of the pathway. Most cancers need more than one of these, sequenced by the tumour board.
- Surgical oncologist — biopsy, staging surgery, resection, reconstruction
- Medical oncologist — systemic therapy before or after surgery
- Radiation oncologist — radiotherapy, often before rectal or cervical surgery
Why specialisation matters
Cancer operations differ from general surgery in the extent of lymphatic clearance, the planes followed, and the handling of tissue to avoid tumour spillage. Guideline-concordant surgery — NCCN, ESMO and organ-specific protocols — is the reference standard used to plan every case.
Common questions
- Do I need a referral to see a surgical oncologist?
- Not necessarily. Patients can seek a direct consultation or a second opinion with imaging, biopsy reports and previous discharge summaries.
- What should I bring to the first consultation?
- All imaging (CT, MRI, PET-CT) on disc or film, biopsy and histopathology reports, blood tests, previous operation notes and a list of current medicines.
Related reading
This page is general education, reviewed by Dr. Ishaan Allahabadi, MCh Surgical Oncology (Edge Hill, UK) · MS Surgery · MBBS (Accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of England). It is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Treatment decisions are made after reviewing your imaging and pathology, in a multidisciplinary tumour board.