Learn about Cancer Surgery 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 Surgery and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Cancer Surgery

Cancer surgery, performed by a specialized surgical oncologist, is a primary treatment modality aimed at physically removing tumors and surrounding cancerous tissue. This procedure is tailored to the specific type, location, and stage of cancer, with the goal of achieving complete resection (R0 resection) while preserving as much healthy organ function as possible. Surgical oncologists are experts in complex cancer operations, utilizing advanced techniques like minimally invasive (laparoscopic/robotic) and open surgery. The approach is often part of a multidisciplinary plan, coordinated with medical and radiation oncology to provide comprehensive care, improve survival rates, and enhance the patient's quality of life.

Key Highlights

    Curative Intent: Aims to completely remove localized tumors, offering a potential cure for many early-stage cancers.Specialized Expertise: Performed by surgeons with dedicated training in cancer biology and complex tumor removal techniques.Precision & Preservation: Focuses on removing cancer while maximizing the preservation of healthy surrounding tissues and organ function.listrongMultidisciplinary Integration:/strong Often the cornerstone of a treatment plan that may include chemotherapy or radiation, coordinated for optimal outcomes./lilistrongAdvanced Techniques:/strong May utilize minimally invasive (laparoscopic, robotic) approaches for reduced pain, scarring, and faster recovery./li/ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Diagnosis of a solid tumor that is localized or locally advanced and deemed surgically resectable.
  • As a primary curative treatment for many early-stage cancers (e.g., breast, colon, lung).
  • To debulk (reduce the size of) a tumor before other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation (neoadjuvant therapy).
  • To remove residual cancer after other treatments (adjuvant surgery).
  • For palliative purposes to relieve symptoms like pain, bleeding, or obstruction caused by a tumor.
  • For diagnostic purposes, such as obtaining a tissue biopsy when other methods are inconclusive.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive pre-operative evaluation including blood tests, imaging (CT, MRI, PET scans), and cardiac/pulmonary assessment.
  • Detailed consultation with the surgical oncologist and anesthesiologist to discuss the plan, risks, and anesthesia.
  • Management of current medications; may need to stop blood thinners or adjust diabetes medication.
  • Pre-operative fasting as instructed, typically 8-12 hours before surgery.
  • Prehabilitation: Guidance on nutrition, quitting smoking, and light exercise to improve surgical fitness.
  • Informed consent process after a thorough discussion of the procedure, alternatives, and potential outcomes.

Risks & possible complications

  • General Surgical Risks: Bleeding, infection at the incision site, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
  • Organ-Specific Risks: Damage to nearby organs, nerves, or blood vessels, which can affect function.
  • Post-operative Complications: Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism), pneumonia, or wound healing issues.
  • Long-term Effects: Chronic pain, lymphedema (swelling), scarring, or changes in body image and function.
  • Cancer-Specific Risks: Incomplete tumor removal, recurrence of cancer, or the need for additional surgeries or treatments.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Hospital Stay: Initial recovery in the hospital with pain management, monitoring for complications, and initiation of mobility.
  • Wound Care: Instructions on keeping the surgical incision clean and dry, and monitoring for signs of infection.
  • Activity Graduation: Gradual increase in activity as tolerated; heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are restricted for weeks.
  • Pain Management: Use of prescribed pain medications, transitioning to over-the-counter options as healing progresses.
  • Follow-up Care: Scheduled appointments with the surgical oncologist to monitor healing, review pathology reports, and plan any adjuvant therapy.
  • Rehabilitation: May require physical or occupational therapy to regain strength, mobility, and function, especially after major surgeries.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 3-10 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 4-12 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering cancer surgery 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 surgery 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 Davis, a 58-year-old restaurant owner...

Amit Davis, a 58-year-old restaurant owner and father of two, had always been the picture of health until a persistent, dull ache in his right side wouldn't go away. A CT scan revealed a 6cm tumor on his right kidney, diagnosed as renal cell carcinoma. His surgical oncologist, Dr. Evans, recommended a partial nephrectomy to remove the tumor while preserving as much healthy kidney function as possible. Amit was terrified of surgery and the implications for his family business. The robotic-assisted procedure went smoothly, and after two nights in the hospital, he went home. Recovery was slow but steady; he managed pain with medication and gradually resumed light duties at the restaurant after six weeks. Path results showed clear margins. Emotionally, Amit moved from a state of shock and fear, feeling his body had betrayed him, to immense relief and a new, profound gratitude for his health. He now advocates for regular check-ups among his friends.

Surgical Oncologists for Cancer Surgery

Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform cancer surgery 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

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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