We have been hearing a lot about cancer, how it impacts lives, treatment and post-treatment care, lifestyle changes. What we need to know extensively is that cancerous or malignant tumours are treatable. They do not necessarily ring the death knell

Surgical oncology is the branch of medicine in which doctors use surgery to find, remove, and help control cancerous lumps. The main goal is to take out the tumours and sometimes nearby tissue or lymph nodes too, so the cancer does not spread

What are Solid Tumors?

Solid tumours are abnormal masses of tissue that form in organs or body parts. They are unlike Leukaemia, Myeloma and other blood cancers. Solid tumours develop as lumps or growths. They can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumours can grow, invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body if not treated on time

Common examples of solid tumours:

With early detection and advances in treatment, solid tumours can be effectively treated and even cured

What is Surgical Oncology

Surgery is often the most effective treatment for solid and cancerous tumours. Surgical Oncology is a specialized branch of surgery, focused on diagnosing and treating cancerous tumours through surgical procedures. Surgical oncologists are trained to remove tumours safely while preserving as much normal tissue and organ function as possible

Let us see how Surgical Oncology benefits in the Cure and Control of Tumors:

Surgery is often the primary treatment for localized tumours, as confirmed by the American Cancer Society

Accurate Diagnosis and Cancer Staging: For proper treatment planning, surgeons often need to determine the cancer’s exact stage. Surgical procedures such as biopsies and lymph node dissections help Oncologists confirm the cancer type, understand how far it has spread and help to plan the most effective treatment strategy. This helps reduce unnecessary treatments and guides decisions for additional therapies like radiation or chemotherapy.

Palliative Surgery(Relief of Cancer Symptoms): According to the National Cancer Institute, palliative surgeries play a crucial role in maintaining dignity and comfort during cancer care. In advanced cases, palliative surgery helps manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Like:

• Removing tumours that block organs

• Controlling bleeding

• Alleviating pain caused by tumour pressure

Surgical oncology often works hand-in-hand with other treatments, such as:

• Chemotherapy

• Radiation therapy

• Immunotherapy

This combined treatment approach is often recommended by experts like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as it improves survival rates and reduces cancer recurrence

Minimally Invasive Surgery: Modern techniques such as robotic-assisted and laparoscopic cancer surgeries offer:

• Smaller incisions lead to faster recovery and less postoperative pain.

• Shorter hospital stays with quicker recovery times.

Post-Operative Care and Recovery

Recovery after cancer surgery is critical for long-term health. Key aspects include:

• Pain management and wound care to prevent infections

• Physical rehabilitation to restore strength, mobility and function

• Nutritional support to support healing and elevate energy levels

• Follow-ups like imaging and tests to monitor for recurrence

Surgery not only removes cancer but also directly influences prognosis. Early, well-planned surgical interventions can:

• Increase the chances of complete tumour removal and minimise the need for more aggressive treatments later.

• Preserve organ function, improving daily living and reducing recurrence risk.

With modern techniques, patients often experience faster recovery, less pain, and better long-term outcomes, balancing survival with quality of life. It is a good option to stay connected with a world-class Oncology facility, especially if there is a family member or a dear one afflicted with cancer

At Star Hospitals Hyderabad, the Oncology Department offers world-class cancer care with advanced treatments, expert specialists, and compassionate support. The expert Oncologists always keep abreast of all the latest techniques and technology in cancer surgery and treatment. From early diagnosis to surgeries to personalized therapies, they are dedicated to providing cutting-edge cancer care for the best possible outcomes for patients

Star Hospitals is a proud institution with a tradition of high standards of team excellence in patient-centred care, teaching, and research, featuring a dedicated team of expert physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide the highest standards of medical treatment. The multidisciplinary services offer extensive and state-of-the-art medical care in all primary and speciality healthcare services. Cross-specialty consultation assures comprehensive treatment for each patient. Their expertise extends to treating a full spectrum of cancer conditions. For every ailment, Star Hospitals have comprehensive treatment plans by their expert and qualified team of specialists and healthcare workers.