Short-term effects include a spectrum from what appears to be a mild sunburn to ulceration of the skin. These effects resolve within a few days to weeks after the end of therapy. Prevention of self-trauma is the mainstay of treatment. The area of oncology which emphasizes the surgical removal of malignancies is called surgical oncology. The surgical oncologist examines a patient with specific interest as to whether the mass can be completely removed.
Complete removal requires removing a portion of normal tissue surrounding a mass.
However, even in such circumstances, the site of the neoplasm, regional lymph nodes and certain other sites should be carefully examined at specified intervals for recurrence. The surgical oncologist is also called to consult in a variety of other instances. When the the first surgery does not obtain clean margins and additional surgery may allow complete removal of the tumor. When the volume of the tumor is great and radiation therapy or chemotherapy would benefit from surgical reduction of the volume of the neoplasm. When the diagnosis is uncertain and obtaining additional biopsies is necessary.