About Cancer Surgery
Key Highlights
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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.
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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 surgery 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 surgery. 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 surgery compare across other countries where we have data.
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.
- 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