Learn about Cancer Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Cancer and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Cancer

Surgical oncology is a specialized branch of cancer treatment where a surgical oncologist performs operations to remove tumors and surrounding tissue. This procedure is a cornerstone of cancer management, aiming for complete tumor resection (removal) to achieve a cure, control local disease, or alleviate symptoms. The surgeon employs precise techniques, often using minimally invasive approaches like laparoscopy or robotics when possible, to maximize cancer removal while preserving healthy organs and function. The specific surgery depends entirely on the cancer type, location, and stage, ranging from lumpectomy for breast cancer to colectomy for colon cancer or complex resections for sarcomas. It is frequently integrated with other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to patient care.

Key Highlights

    Curative Potential: Offers the highest chance of a complete cure for many localized solid tumors.Precise Diagnosis: Provides tissue samples for accurate pathological staging and biomarker testing.Symptom Relief: Can effectively alleviate pain, bleeding, or obstruction caused by tumors.listrongMinimally Invasive Options:/strong Techniques like laparoscopy and robotic surgery often lead to smaller scars, less pain, and faster recovery./lilistrongMultidisciplinary Integration:/strong Performed as part of a coordinated plan with medical and radiation oncology./li/ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Diagnosis and staging of a suspected cancerous mass via biopsy or excision.
  • Primary treatment for localized, resectable solid tumors (e.g., breast, colon, lung, kidney).
  • Debulking surgery to remove as much tumor mass as possible before other therapies.
  • Palliative surgery to relieve symptoms like pain, obstruction, or bleeding from advanced cancer.
  • Prophylactic surgery in high-risk individuals (e.g., mastectomy for BRCA mutation carriers).
  • Reconstructive surgery following tumor removal to restore form and function.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive evaluation including imaging (CT, MRI, PET scans) and biopsies to map the cancer.
  • Pre-operative tests: blood work, ECG, and chest X-ray to assess fitness for anesthesia.
  • Consultations with the anesthesiologist and other specialists as needed.
  • Management of current medications; may need to stop blood thinners.
  • Pre-operative fasting (typically 6-8 hours for solids, 2 hours for clear liquids).
  • Bowel preparation (for abdominal surgeries) or skin cleansing with antiseptic soap.
  • Discussion of the surgical plan, risks, and expected outcomes (informed consent).

Risks & possible complications

  • General surgical risks: Reaction to anesthesia, bleeding (hemorrhage), and infection at the incision site.
  • Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism).
  • Damage to nearby organs, nerves, or blood vessels during surgery.
  • Post-operative pain and discomfort.
  • Formation of scar tissue (adhesions) which can cause future complications.
  • Functional loss depending on the organ involved (e.g., altered digestion, limb weakness).
  • Risk of cancer recurrence despite complete resection.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial recovery in a hospital ward or ICU with monitoring of vital signs and pain management.
  • Gradual mobilization to prevent blood clots and pneumonia.
  • Diet advancement from clear liquids to solid foods as bowel function returns.
  • Care of surgical drains, wound dressings, and stitches/staples.
  • Detailed discharge instructions on wound care, activity restrictions, and medication.
  • Follow-up appointment with the surgical oncologist to review pathology results and plan further treatment.
  • Gradual return to normal activities, often starting with light walking, as tolerated.
  • Possible referral to physical therapy, occupational therapy, or nutritional counseling.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 3-10 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 4-12 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering cancer in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for cancer compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 150 Thousand – 800 Thousand 3-10 days ~ 4-12 weeks Know More
Turkey TRY 525 Thousand – 2.8 Million 3-10 days ~ 4-12 weeks Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

Amit Ali, a 67-year-old retired bakery...

Amit Ali, a 67-year-old retired bakery owner with a 30-year history of smoking, developed a persistent hoarse voice and a nagging cough. He blamed it on 'old age' and seasonal allergies, but his daughter grew concerned when he started having difficulty swallowing solid foods. A CT scan showed a concerning mass in the upper lobe of his right lung. A biopsy confirmed non-small cell lung cancer. His surgical oncologist, Dr. Rodriguez, proposed a robotic-assisted lobectomy, removing the affected lobe, as the cancer appeared localized. Amit, a pragmatic man used to solving problems in his bakery, was nevertheless filled with dread about the invasiveness of chest surgery and the prospect of a long recovery. The minimally invasive robotic surgery was successful, with less pain and blood loss than a traditional open procedure. Recovery was tough; breathing exercises were painful, and he felt weak. However, with support from pulmonary rehab and his family, he gradually regained his lung function. At his follow-up, scans showed no evidence of disease. Emotionally, he moved from a sense of fatalism, believing his smoking had sealed his fate, to one of cautious optimism. He quit smoking for good, cherishes his morning walks with his wife, and has found joy in teaching his grandchildren how to bake, passing on his legacy one recipe at a time.

Surgical Oncologists for Cancer

Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform cancer and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Nitish Ranjan Acharya
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Devesh S. Ballal
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Lakshmanan C.
  • 39 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Manjunath N. M. L.
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated