About Cancer
Key Highlights
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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.
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Typical hospital stay: 3-10 days
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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.
Top-rated hospitals in India with surgical oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform cancer. MediFyr helps you compare surgical oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
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.
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.
- 9 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore