What is cancer surgery?
Cancer surgery is a common treatment method used for treating and diagnosing cancer. Cancer surgeries are usually performed to remove cancer or tumor affected organs before cancer develops in patients.
When do you need cancer surgery?
Your doctor might recommend cancer surgery when your symptoms, such as pain, lumps, other body changes, blood tests, and image tests, confirm the cancer growth. Cancer surgeries are needed when the cancer is localized and removal of cancer is possible in a patient's body.
Cancer surgeries are recommended for several reasons, these may include:
- Diagnosis: To confirm the presence of cancer by collecting a tissue sample or check the cancer spread (through performing biopsy)
- Treatment: To remove cancer- or tumor-affected tissues. In some cases, cancer-affected organs, along with some healthy tissues, are removed to prevent the spread or recurrence of cancer.
- Relief of symptoms: In advanced stages, cancer surgeries are used to reduce pain and discomfort; these types of surgeries are also called palliative surgery.
What can you expect before the surgery?
Once the cancer surgery is finalized for the treatment of cancer for the patient. There are several things your doctor might consider to prepare the patient and their family to understand the process.
Discussion with Doctor and patient
Your doctor and surgical oncologist might explain about the surgery, surgical procedure and its benefits, any risks, and what to expect during and after the surgery.
Medical Tests
Before undergoing any type of cancer surgery, several medical tests are performed, these may include:
- Blood tests: Some blood tests are performed to check the overall health conditions and functions of organs such as the kidneys, liver of the patient to avoid any complications.
- Imaging tests: These tests include X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to get a clear understanding of the cancer and its surrounding areas.
- Physical examination: The doctor might check the surgical site and physically examine the patient's skin, lymph nodes, breasts, lungs, abdomen, and some specific areas like the prostate and rectum, depending on the cancer type.
- Pre-anesthetic check-ups (PAC): This checkup is often performed to analyze the patient’s past and existing medical conditions. The doctor also inquires about any allergies or treatment currently going on. The doctor might also perform some physical examinations.
Your surgical oncologist might explain the procedures, including they might answer all your concerns regarding expected recovery time, and chances of recovery, and risks.
Pre-surgery Instructions for cancer patients
There are some specific guidelines to follow before the surgery, these may include:
- Food restrictions: Avoid eating and drinking anything after midnight or the night before the surgery.
- Medications:.
- If you are taking any regular medicines, they should be taken with the consent of your doctor before the surgery to avoid any complications.
- People with diabetes or heart diseases should consult with their doctor before taking medicine or before undergoing surgery to avoid any risks.
- If you are taking medicines such as blood thinners or Coumadin, consult the doctor before the surgery.
- Other preparations:
- Wear comfortable clothes before the surgery.
- Arrange for people to help you with blood requirements, transportation, food, medication, and any emergency support.
- Try to inform your family and friends to help you with any financial and emotional support for any future emergency.
What can you expect during the surgery?
Depending on the type of cancer and its complexity, the surgery may extend from one hour to several hours.
- The surgery might be open surgery (conventional surgery) or minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic).
- Cancer surgeries mainly depend on the type, stage, and location and the individual medical condition of the person.
Types of Cancer Surgery
There are several cancer surgeries performed to treat and help people with cancer. Types of surgeries may include:
Cancer removal surgery (Curative surgery)
Cancer removal surgery is also known as curative surgery. This is a conventional surgery used for the treatment of cancer.The surgical oncologist performs this surgery when the tumor is localized in one specific area or the cancer has not spread yet. This type of surgery is the primary treatment for any localised cancer in patients.
Preventive surgery
Preventive surgeries are used to remove tissue that does not contain any cancerous cells, but it has the potential to develop into a malignant tumor in the future.
Diagnostic surgery (Biopsy)
This surgery is used to analyze any cancerous cells that are present in the sample. Diagnostic surgery removes tissue samples for evaluating and testing cancer under a microscope. This surgery helps with identifying the type of cancer or determining the stage of cancer of the patient.
Staging surgery
Staging surgery helps to discover the extent of cancer growth in the body. The surgical oncologist might use a tool called a laparoscope (it comes with a viewing tube with a camera inserted through a cut (incision) made by the doctor).
Palliative surgery
Palliative surgery is used to treat cancer in the advanced stages. It does not help to remove cancer. But this might help to relieve discomfort, pain, or blockages in patients.
Reconstructive surgery
Restorative surgery is used to restore a person’s appearance and function of the body part after any major surgery is performed in patients diagnosed with cases such as breast or mouth cancers.
Why choose Oncare for your Cancer Surgery?
Oncare cancer center is a leading cancer hospital in India. Oncare is one of the best mid-sized cancer hospitals highly dedicated to delivering the best cancer treatment in India.
Affordable and transparent cancer treatments: At Oncare, we provide high-quality cancer treatments, including advanced cancer surgeries, at a low cost—up to 30 to 40% lower compared to other private cancer hospitals in India. We offer transparent and valuable cancer services with clear billings, so there are no hidden or in-hand payments.
Experienced oncologist team: We have an experienced oncologist team that offers personalized treatment plans for patients to provide the best treatment experience.
Safe and reliable treatments: At Oncare, our core values are trust and reliability. We prioritize our patients' safety and deliver treatments to ensure safety, comfort, and confidence.
Timely consultation and on-time care: At Oncare, we offer timely consultations and quick attention while in any government hospital you may experience long waiting hours for consultation and delayed treatments.
Common Cancer Surgeries
Breast cancer surgery
Common surgeries: Mastectomy/ Lumpectomy
Mastectomy: This surgery used to remove one or both breasts of patients. (The removal of one breast is called unilateral mastectomy, while removing both breasts is called bilateral mastectomy.)
Lumpectomy: This surgery is used to remove only tumours and some small portions of healthy tissues from the breast. This surgery also preserves the rest of the breast tissue, and is also called breast conserving or surgery.
Breast reconstruction surgery: This surgery is used to recreate breasts after mastectomy or lumpectomy. Breast reconstruction surgery happens right after breast cancer surgery to rebuild the shape of breasts. The doctor might use tissues from the patient's body (tissues from the lower belly or back) or use silicone implants.
Mouth cancer surgery
Glossectomy: This is the surgical removal of a tongue in a cancer patient. In some cases, a portion of their tongue removed is called partial glossectomy, or in some cases, half of their tongue removed is called hemiglossectomy. If the patient’s entire tongue is removed, it is called total glossectomy.
Mandibulectomy: This surgery used to remove a small or large part of the jawbone (mandible). Surgeons use this surgery to remove tumor- or cancer-affected areas of the jaw. To reconstruct the jaw, the doctor might use another part of the body.
Commando surgery
Common surgery: Combined Mandibulectomy, neck dissection surgery
Commando surgery: Commando surgery is a major surgery involving the removal of a tumor from the mouth, also called the oral cavity, or part of the jawbone (mandibulectomy), and neck dissection to remove lymph nodes. This surgery is performed on patients where the cancer has spread beyond the mouth and surrounding parts, including the jawbone and neck.
Mouth Cancer reconstruction procedures
Free Flap: This surgery involves reconstruction of large areas of tissues from (skin, muscle, bone, and blood vessels ) one part of the body and transferring it to the oral cavity to replace cancer tissues.
Local Flap: This surgery involves using any nearby tissues for small and simple reconstruction in the mouth or surrounding tissues.
Free Fibula Flap: This surgery involves reconstruction of the jawbone after the cancer removal, this surgery using a section of the fibula (which is a small bone in the lower leg).
Lung cancer surgery
Common surgery: Lobectomy
Lobectomy: This is a major surgical procedure used to remove a lobe from the lung where cancer is affected. This surgery used to be performed when the cancer is located or confined in one lobe.
Colon cancer surgery
Common surgery: Colectomy
Colectomy: This is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the colon. Your surgeon might also remove nearby lymph nodes during the colectomy. This is performed to check the extent of the cancer and helps with staging.
Prostate cancer surgery
Common surgery: Prostatectomy
Prostatectomy: In this surgery, the surgeon removes the prostate gland to treat cancer. This surgery is also used when the cancer is contained in the prostate gland and has not spread beyond the gland and its borders.
Ovarian cancer surgery
Common surgery: Oophorectomy
Oophorectomy: In this surgery, the surgeon removes one or both of the ovaries. In some cases, the doctor might remove the fallopian tube and uterus. This surgery is used to treat cancer or reduce the risk of developing cancer.
Thyroid cancer surgery
Common surgery :Thyroidectomy
Thyroidectomy: This is a surgery majorly used for the removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. If the surgeon removes a part of the thyroid gland, it is called partial thyroidectomy, and in some cases, total removal of the thyroid gland is performed; this is called total thyroidectomy.
Bladder cancer surgery
Common surgery: Cystectomy
Cystectomy: This is a complex surgical procedure in which the surgeon removes all or part of the urinary bladder. This surgery is majorly performed to treat bladder cancer. If the surgeon removes a part of the bladder, then it is called a partial cystectomy, and in some cases, the surgeon might remove the entire bladder, which is called a radical cystectomy.
Liver cancer surgery
Common Surgery: Hepatectomy
Hepatectomy: This is a major surgery used to remove a part or all of the liver. This surgery is also called liver resection.
Kidney Cancer surgery
Common surgery: Nephrectomy
Nephrectomy: This is a surgical procedure involving the removal of all or part of the kidney. This surgery is often performed to treat kidney cancer and severe kidney damage in patients.
What happens after the surgery?
After the surgery, the patient would be shifted into an ICU room, and the patient would be under observation for 24 to 48 hours.
- Doctors and staff nurses continuously monitor the patient and their medical condition.
- After completing the observation time period in the ICU, the patient would shift to the room.
- The patient would be observed there for 2 to 5 days.
- The hospital stay might be varied and mainly depends on the type of cancer and the patient’s individual medical conditions.
At Oncare, we prioritize our patients’ safety and provide continuous monitoring after any cancer surgeries, from the ICU room until shifting to the recovery room.
Post- surgery care
Recovery and healing start after the cancer surgery. Recovering from any cancer surgery can feel physically and emotionally challenging. But there are several
At Oncare, we provide detailed post-surgery care plans for the patients.
1. Pain relief and management: After the surgery, many patients might experience pain and discomfort. Your health care team would provide necessary medication to reduce the pain and any discomfort.
2. Wound care guidelines and support: After the surgery, patients should follow the guidelines given by their doctor for fast healing of wounds and avoid any surgical site infection. If you notice any redness or swelling, it might lead to an infection, so consult your doctor.
3. Proper rest and recovery:
1. It is advised to take proper rest and get good sleep for your body to get enough time to heal any wounds from the surgery.
2. You may feel tired or weak after the cancer surgery. It’s normal to feel this way depending on the type of surgery and its complexity.
3. If you are not improving after two or three weeks, then talk to your doctors.
4.You may need to ask for help doing your daily tasks; ask your family and friends to help you for these days.
Follow-up care and Monitoring
After cancer surgery, your doctor might recommend follow-up care and monitoring. Regular follow-up care is crucial to monitor the wound and its healing. Try to follow the instructions given by the doctor and watch for any signs of complications to avoid recurrence.
If you see any signs of recurrence and consider scheduling an appointment, consider performing these tests.
- Physical examination
- Imaging tests (CT Scan, MRI, PET Scan)
- Blood tests
At Oncare, our surgical oncological team and staff coordinate with our patients to ensure follow-up visits, to provide services to speed up the recovery, and to provide more purposeful guidelines to avoid any chance of recurrence.
Risks and Complications
Cancer surgeries are standard treatment options to treat cancer. However, these cancer surgeries come with several risks and side effects to the patient.
- Bleeding
- Blood clotting
- Infection
- Pain
- Reactions to anaesthesia
- Damage to nearby tissues
- Organ failure
- Drug reaction
At Oncare, we prioritize our patients' safety first, and we only deliver safe treatment plans that are designed to ensure comfort, care, and confidence.
Support During Recovery
After cancer surgery, recovering from its pain and wounds can be physically and emotionally challenging. A cancer patient needs support during their cancer healing journey.
- Emotional support: Dealing with cancer and its treatments is emotionally distressing and often makes patients feel overwhelmed. Sharing and talking to close friends and family or getting professional counseling helps you to deal with any stress, anxiety, and fear.
- Health resources and medical support: Your medical team offers you resources in terms of rehabilitation and instructions, such as guidelines, to help you with recovery. If needed, they will refer you to specialists like dietitians and therapists.
- Support groups: Joining any cancer support groups helps you to learn more about cancer and get more understanding and comfort for your treatment journey. Sharing your experience and stories makes the recovery process less isolating and anxious.
At Oncare, our experienced oncologist team and support care units offer infinite support and assistance to every cancer patient and help to make their recovery journey smooth and effortless.