Surgical Oncology
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Surgical Oncology at Onco-Life Cancer Centre
Trusted Surgical Expertise with a 97%+ Success Rate
Surgery is one of the most important and effective ways to treat cancer—and at Onco-Life Cancer Centre, we are proud to be recognized as one of the top surgical oncology centers in India, with an exceptional success rate of over 97%.
Why Choose Surgical Oncology?
Surgical oncology focuses on removing the tumour and cancer-affected tissues from the body. In many cases, surgery offers the best chance of a complete cure or long-term control of the disease.
Our team of expert cancer surgeons is trained at India’s most reputed institutes like Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH) and Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute (RGCIRC). They bring years of experience and skill to every procedure—handling simple to highly complex cases with precision and care.
When Is Surgery Used for Cancer?
- To remove the tumour completely
- To relieve symptoms (like pain or blockage)
- To check the spread of cancer (biopsy or staging)
- To support other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation
Advanced Techniques: Organ-Preserving Surgeries
Whenever possible, our surgeons use organ-preserving techniques—which means they remove only the cancer, without taking out the whole organ. This helps patients recover faster and maintain a better quality of life.
After surgery, a dedicated team of nutritionists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and nurses work together to support your healing journey.
Reconstructive Surgery (Plastic Surgery for Cancer Patients)
Some cancers may require removal of body parts that affect appearance or function—such as breast cancer or head & neck cancers. In these cases, our skilled plastic surgeons can perform reconstructive surgery to:
- Restore appearance
- Rebuild function
- Help patients feel confident again
This is commonly done after procedures like mastectomy or major facial/jaw surgeries.
International-Standard Surgical Facilities
- 2 Major & 1 Minor Operation Theatres
- HEPA Air Filtration Systems for infection control
- Strict surgical protocols aligned with global cancer care standards
- Dedicated infection prevention & hygiene protocols
Every surgery at Onco-Life is carried out with utmost precision, safety, and patient comfort in mind.
Your Health. Our Commitment.
With thousands of successful surgeries completed and a strong focus on patient-first care, Onco-Life Cancer Centre is your trusted destination for cancer surgery. Whether it’s a small procedure or a major cancer operation, you can rest assured—you’re in safe, expert hands.
Most Popular Questions
Satara – Surgical Oncology: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Surgical Oncologist?
A surgical oncologist is a cancer specialist who uses surgery to diagnose, treat, or manage cancer. Their main role is to remove tumors and nearby tissues that may have cancer cells. They also perform biopsies to find out if a lump is cancerous and how advanced it is.
2. When do you need cancer surgery?
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).
3. What are the types of cancer surgeries?
- 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.
4. How does surgery help with cancer treatment?
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.
5. Is surgery always done alone or with other treatments?
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.
6. Is surgery effective for cancer?
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.
7. Is surgery safe? Are there any risks?
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.
8. Will I need anesthesia for cancer surgery?
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.
9. What is the difference between a Surgical Oncologist and a General Surgeon?
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.
10. Should I get surgery right after my cancer diagnosis?
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.
11. Will surgery cause the cancer to spread?
No. This is a common myth. Surgery does not cause cancer to spread. In fact, removing the tumour helps stop it from spreading.
12. Will I need to stay in the hospital after surgery?
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.
13. Can surgery be done for all cancers?
Not always. Surgery is best for solid tumors like breast, colon, lung, or oral cancers. Blood cancers (like leukemia) are usually treated without surgery.
14. How long does it take to recover from cancer 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.
15. Will I have scars after surgery?
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.
16. Can I eat normally after surgery?
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.
17. Will I need physiotherapy after surgery?
Sometimes, yes. Especially if the surgery affects movement, swallowing, or breathing. A physiotherapist will help you regain strength and improve your recovery.
18. What if I’m too old or weak for surgery?
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.
19. How will I manage pain after surgery?
Pain is managed using medications and supportive care. You’ll receive pain relief during and after surgery to keep you comfortable.
20. Can cancer come back after surgery?
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.
21. What is reconstructive surgery after cancer?
This surgery helps restore appearance or function after tumor removal — like breast reconstruction after mastectomy or jaw repair after oral cancer surgery.
22. Will I be able to work after 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.
23. Is cancer surgery covered by insurance?
Yes, most government and private insurance plans cover surgical cancer treatment. Our TPA desk will help you with paperwork and approvals.
24. What if I don’t want surgery? Are there other options?
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.
