A diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancer such as stomach, colon, or pancreatic cancer can be overwhelming for patients. However, when the cancer spreads to the abdominal cavity, known as peritoneal carcinomatosis, patients are often given a grim prognosis with only a few months to live. Dr. Mio Kitano, a surgical oncologist at UT Health San Antonio, specializes in gastrointestinal tumors and malignancies. Despite the severity of carcinomatosis, there are various treatment options available for patients at UT Health San Antonio.
Dr. Kitano emphasizes that cytoreductive surgery is one of the main treatments offered at UT Health San Antonio. This procedure involves removing cancerous deposits on the surface of abdominal organs, similar to peeling wallpaper off a wall. The surgery also includes the removal of dispensable organs with tumor deposits such as the spleen, small bowel and large bowel. Additionally, hot chemotherapy is utilized to target any microscopic cells that may remain after the surgery. This comprehensive approach aims to eradicate cancer cells and improve patient outcomes.
As an associate professor in the Department of Surgery and a surgical oncologist at the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio, Dr. Mio Kitano is at the forefront of gastrointestinal cancer treatment through innovative surgical techniques and personalized care plans. She offers hope to patients facing peritoneal carcinomatosis through her expertise in this area.
The collaborative effort between TPR and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio showcases the advancements in scientific discovery that are improving medical practices and patient outcomes by providing new treatments for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis.
In conclusion, while receiving a diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancer can be devastating news for patients, it’s important for them to know that there are various treatment options available at UT Health San Antonio led by experts like Dr. Mio Kitano who have specialized knowledge in this area. With her expertise in cytoreductive surgery and personalized care plans, she offers hope to patients facing peritoneal carcinomatosis while improving their outcomes through scientific discoveries made possible through collaboration efforts between TPR and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio