Surgical Oncology

Surgery may be needed:

• To prevent cancer (if you’re at high risk).
• To diagnose cancer (by removing a piece for testing).
• To know how far cancer has spread.
• To treat cancer by removing tumors.
• To relieve symptoms (like pain or blockage).
• To reconstruct body parts after surgery (like breast reconstruction).

• Curative Surgery: Removes all cancer if it's in one place.
• Debulking Surgery: Removes part of a large tumor to make other treatments more effective.
• Palliative Surgery: Helps relieve pain or symptoms when cancer cannot be cured.
• Reconstructive Surgery: Restores appearance or function after tumor removal.

Surgery can:

• Completely remove cancer if detected early.
• Help doctors see how far cancer has spread.
• Be combined with chemotherapy, radiation, or other treatments.
• Improve quality of life by relieving pain or pressure from tumors.

Cancer surgery is often used along with other treatments like:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy

Sometimes, surgery comes before other treatments (adjuvant) or after them (neoadjuvant) based on your case.

Yes, especially if the cancer is caught early. Removing the tumor early increases the chance of cure. For advanced cancer, surgery may still help reduce symptoms or improve the outcome with other treatments.

Like any surgery, there can be risks such as:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Swelling
• Slow wound healing

But our surgical teams are highly trained to manage these risks safely.

Yes. Most cancer surgeries require anesthesia:

• General anesthesia puts you to sleep.
• Local anesthesia numbs a small area with sedation.
  Your doctor and anesthetist will choose the safest option based on your surgery and health.

Both are qualified surgeons, but a Surgical Oncologist has undergone specialized training in cancer surgeries. They handle complex cancer cases and work as part of a larger oncology team.

It depends. Your doctor will decide the best time for surgery after evaluating:

• Cancer type and stage
• Your age and health
• Whether other treatments are needed first

But early treatment is always better to stop cancer from growing.

No. This is a common myth. Surgery does not cause cancer to spread. In fact, removing the tumour helps stop it from spreading.

Yes, for a few days depending on your procedure and recovery speed. Some smaller surgeries are done as daycare procedures, while major surgeries need 3–7 days or more in the hospital.

Not always. Surgery is best for solid tumors like breast, colon, lung, or oral cancers. Blood cancers (like leukemia) are usually treated without surgery.

Recovery depends on the type of surgery and your health. Minor surgeries take a few days, major ones take 2–6 weeks. Your care team will guide you on wound care, diet, and activities.

Yes, most surgeries leave scars, but we try to keep them as small and neat as possible. Reconstructive surgery may also help restore appearance after certain procedures.

Yes, but it depends on the surgery area. For example, if surgery is near your mouth or stomach, a special diet may be needed. Your dietitian will guide you.

Sometimes, yes. Especially if the surgery affects movement, swallowing, or breathing. A physiotherapist will help you regain strength and improve your recovery.

Age is not the only factor. We assess your overall health. If you're not fit for surgery, other treatments may be suggested. Your safety is always the top priority.

Pain is managed using medications and supportive care. You’ll receive pain relief during and after surgery to keep you comfortable.

Yes, sometimes. That’s why follow-up care is important. You may need other treatments (like chemo or radiation) to reduce the risk of recurrence.

This surgery helps restore appearance or function after tumor removal — like breast reconstruction after mastectomy or jaw repair after oral cancer surgery.

Yes, most people return to work after recovery. It depends on your job and how major the surgery was. We can help you plan your return.

Yes, most government and private insurance plans cover surgical cancer treatment. Our TPA desk will help you with paperwork and approvals.

Yes. Depending on your condition, you may be offered chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy instead. But always talk to your oncologist about risks and benefits.