Surgical Oncology and Types of Cancer Surgeries

Surgical oncology is a critical component of cancer treatment, involving the physical removal of tumours to stop or slow the spread of disease. It often works in conjunction with radiation therapy and chemotherapy to improve survival rates and patient outcomes. As a trusted oncology hospital in Bangalore, SPARSH Hospitals provides advanced surgical care led by some of the best oncologists in Bangalore.

Understanding what surgical oncology is, the types of cancer surgeries, and how they fit into a larger treatment plan is essential for patients and families facing a cancer diagnosis.

What Is Surgical Oncology?

Surgical oncology is a medical speciality focused on diagnosing, staging, and treating cancer through surgical intervention. It involves removing tumours, affected lymph nodes, and sometimes surrounding tissues to prevent the spread of cancer.

In many cases, surgery is combined with other treatments:

• Chemotherapy to shrink tumours before or after surgery.
• Radiation therapy to kill remaining cancer cells post-surgery.

Surgical oncologists also perform biopsies to confirm a diagnosis and determine cancer staging, helping to create personalised treatment plans.

Why Is Surgery Used in Cancer Treatment?

Surgery plays a central role in managing many types of cancer. It can be used to:

• Diagnose: Tissue samples are removed for biopsy.
• Stage: Determine how advanced the cancer is.
• Treat: Remove localised tumours.
• Prevent: Remove precancerous tissue before cancer develops.
• Relieve symptoms: In advanced cases, surgery can ease pain or blockage.

At SPARSH, a leading surgical oncology hospital in Bangalore, surgical teams work closely with medical and radiation oncologists to deliver integrated care.

Types of Cancer Surgeries

Surgical oncology includes a wide range of procedures tailored to specific cancer types and stages. Common types of cancer surgeries include:

1. Curative Surgery

Used when cancer is localised. The goal is complete removal of the tumour with clear margins.

2. Diagnostic Surgery

Performed to confirm a cancer diagnosis through biopsy or tissue sampling.

3. Staging Surgery

Determines the extent or stage of the disease, often involving lymph node removal or exploration of nearby organs.

4. Debulking Surgery

When full removal isn’t possible, a portion of the tumour is removed to improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy or radiation.

5. Palliative Surgery

Used to relieve symptoms or improve quality of life in advanced cancer cases, such as removing blockages or reducing pain.

6. Reconstructive Surgery

Rebuilds appearance or function after primary cancer surgery (e.g., breast reconstruction after mastectomy).

Cancers Commonly Treated with Surgery

Not all cancers can be treated surgically, but many benefit greatly from this approach:

Colon Cancer

Surgical removal of part or all of the colon is a standard treatment, often followed by chemotherapy if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes.

Prostate Cancer

Prostatectomy, or removal of the prostate gland, is a common curative procedure for localised prostate cancer. Nerve-sparing techniques aim to preserve urinary and sexual function.

Breast Cancer

Includes lumpectomy (removing the tumour) or mastectomy (removing the entire breast), often followed by reconstructive surgery.

Lung Cancer

Lobectomy (removal of a lung lobe) or pneumonectomy (entire lung) is used if the cancer hasn’t spread beyond the chest.

Skin Cancer

Surgical excision or Mohs surgery is typically used for melanoma and other aggressive skin cancers.

Combining Surgery with Chemotherapy and Radiation

Cancer surgery is rarely used in isolation. For the best results, it’s often combined with:

• Chemotherapy: Administered before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink tumours or after (adjuvant) to destroy remaining cancer cells.
• Radiation Therapy: Helps reduce recurrence by targeting residual microscopic cancer cells.

This multidisciplinary approach is what makes SPARSH one of the top-rated oncology hospitals in Bangalore, offering personalised treatment plans for complex cancer cases.

Advancements in Surgical Oncology

Modern surgical oncology has evolved significantly with less invasive and more precise techniques, such as:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS)
• Uses small incisions and laparoscopic tools, reducing recovery time and surgical risk.
• Robotic Surgery
• Provides enhanced precision and visualisation for complex procedures.
• Intraoperative Imaging
• Allows surgeons to detect residual cancer in real time.

These innovations are transforming patient recovery and treatment effectiveness. SPARSH Hospitals is equipped with the latest surgical technology, ensuring top-tier care from the best oncologists in Bangalore.

When to See a Surgical Oncologist

If you’ve received a cancer diagnosis, especially for cancers like colon, prostate, or breast, it’s time to consult a surgical oncologist. You should also see a specialist if:

• You have a growing or suspicious lump.
• Imaging or biopsy confirms a localised tumour.
• Your current cancer treatment plan includes surgery.

Early consultation helps define the most effective treatment strategy and reduces the risk of complications.

Conclusion

Surgical oncology plays a crucial role in modern cancer treatment, offering curative and life-enhancing procedures across a range of cancers. From early-stage tumour removal to palliative care for advanced cases, surgery is often the foundation upon which chemotherapy and radiation are built.

At SPARSH Hospitals, we offer comprehensive care at every step—from diagnosis to recovery. If you’re looking for a trusted surgical oncology hospital in Bangalore, with access to the best oncologists and cutting-edge facilities, our team is here to help you navigate your journey with expertise and compassion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is surgical oncology?

Surgical oncology is the branch of medicine that focuses on using surgery to diagnose, stage, and treat cancer. It often involves removing tumours, lymph nodes, or surrounding tissues to stop the spread of disease.

What are the main types of cancer surgeries?

The main types include curative, diagnostic, staging, debulking, palliative, and reconstructive surgeries. Each type serves a unique purpose based on the stage and location of the cancer.

Is surgery always necessary for cancer treatment?

Not always. Some cancers are better treated with chemotherapy or radiation. However, when cancer is localised, surgery is often the most effective way to remove it completely.

How long is the recovery after cancer surgery?

Recovery varies depending on the type and extent of surgery. Minimally invasive procedures may require only a few days of recovery, while major surgeries could take weeks or longer.

Can I get surgery for cancer at SPARSH Hospitals?

Yes, SPARSH is a leading oncology hospital in Bangalore offering a wide range of surgical procedures performed by some of the best oncologists in the region, supported by state-of-the-art technology and post-surgical care.