for pancreatic cancer, and gastrectomy with extended (D2) lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer. In the United States and Canada, fellowship trained surgical oncologists have among the longest training periods of any physicians/surgeons. In some areas like Breast Diseases and Breast Cancer there we know as Breast Surgeon the specialist that only works with patients with breast diseases and breast cancer. A training period (clinical and research) of 6 to 8 years is typical and 8–10 years is not uncommon. Surgical oncology types and forms These are the most common types and forms of oncological surgery: surgery to diagnose cancer surgery to stage cancer curative surgery radical surgery surgery to debulk cancer palliative surgery supportive surgery reconstructive surgery preventive (prophylactic) surgery. Surgical oncology Techniques Newer surgical techniques are less invasive, use different types of surgical instruments, and lead to less pain and shorter recovery times. The most effective surgical oncology techniques are: cryosurgery electrosurgery laparoscopic surgery laser surgery mohs surgery radiofrequency ablation robotic surgery and other forms of surgery. thoracoscopic surgery Books One of the first text books dedicated to surgical oncology was written by the American-Irish surgeon, Dr. Theodore O'Connell in 1981. Many publications in surgical oncology are also appearing. The majority are large reference textbooks that seemingly combine specialties that are not generally practiced by a single practitioner but cover the academic subject. A number of practical handbooks such as "surgical oncology" in the well read Oxford Handbooks series, have recently been published, perhaps alluding to the evolving practicality of this emerging discipline. See also Cancer Diagnostic Probe References External links European Society of Surgical Oncology Society of Surgical Oncology Rajasthan Society of Oncology Surgical specialties