Best Cancer Hospital in Bangalore – Surgical Oncology

Surgical oncology is the medical discipline that encompasses the surgical treatment of cancer, in addition to other modalities of cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy, among others. Traditionally, surgical intervention has been the primary treatment for various types of cancer. However, with the advent of more advanced oncological treatments, surgery is now commonly used in conjunction with other therapies as a primary mode of cancer treatment.

Surgical treatment is applicable to all types of cancer and is performed by experienced surgical oncologists. They may use surgery for cancer diagnosis, tumour removal, and even the reconstruction of body parts.

Why Choose Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka?

Our patient-first approach, advanced and innovative oncology treatments, make Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka a highly reliable and trustworthy destination for cancer care. Our team of experienced oncologists is committed to providing multidisciplinary care for cancer patients across all age groups, ensuring the best possible treatment outcomes. At Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, our surgical oncologists are actively engaged in ongoing research and development in the field of cancer treatment, offering advanced care options.

We encourage patients to actively participate in the surgical and recovery process to maximise their chances of a successful outcome. Supported by state-of-the-art facilities and advanced surgical equipment, we prioritise limb-sparing techniques whenever possible, while also striving for successful reconstructive surgeries to improve our patients’ quality of life.

Our efforts in rehabilitative and palliative care are led by a collaborative team of nutritionists and rehabilitation specialists who support patients in their recovery while they continue to receive medical oncology treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Our Services

Surgical oncologists at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, collaborate with a dedicated team of medical and healthcare professionals to provide a comprehensive range of cancer care services. Our oncological services include screening tests, diagnostics, customised treatment planning, surgical and medical support, and palliative care.

What We Treat

Surgical oncologists undergo extensive training to perform various types of cancer surgeries. They collaborate closely with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and other healthcare professionals within a comprehensive cancer care team to provide top-notch cancer treatment. Our specialisation includes the treatment of the following cancer types:

• Head and neck cancers, including oral and thyroid cancers.
• Breast cancer surgery.
• Thoracic cancers, encompassing lung and mediastinal cancers.
• Gastrointestinal cancers, such as those affecting the oesophagus, stomach, colon, and rectum.
• Hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers.
• Gynecologic and oncologic surgeries, covering cancers of the ovary, endometrium, and cervix.
• Urogenital system cancers, which include kidney, bladder, prostate, and penile cancers.
• Bone and soft tissue cancers.

Planning Your Treatment

Cancer treatment is a multidisciplinary effort that involves collaboration among surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists, as well as doctors and specialists from various medical fields to provide a comprehensive range of treatments. When cancer is suspected in any part of the body, a biopsy is performed by a surgical oncologist for diagnosis. If the biopsy confirms the presence of cancerous tumours, it becomes necessary to formulate an appropriate treatment plan tailored to the individual patient’s needs.

The surgical oncologist discusses the treatment plan with the patient, taking into consideration various factors that may impact the quality of care. These factors may include the patient’s age, medical history, the stage and severity of cancer, as well as non-medical considerations such as proximity to the hospital and financial aspects.

Each individualised treatment plan is discussed with medical and radiation oncologists, who may suggest modifications to better suit the patient’s needs. In certain cases, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be administered before surgical intervention. This is often done to reduce the size of a tumour, making it more manageable for surgical removal.

At times, a specific sequence of radiation, medical, and surgical oncology treatments may be required. In such cases, the oncologists themselves can determine the most appropriate treatment sequence to enhance the effectiveness of subsequent therapies.

Preventive Treatment

In certain cases of cancer, such as breast nodules or ovarian cysts, the growth of tumours that initially appear benign may have the potential to be cancerous. Surgical oncologists exercise great care in determining the nature of such tumours through biopsies. If the tumour is confirmed to be cancerous, surgical intervention, in accordance with the principles of cancer surgery, may be a viable treatment option.

Supportive Treatment

Surgical oncologists not only provide surgical cancer treatment but also offer comprehensive patient-centred supportive care. These procedures often require surgical intervention to facilitate the delivery of additional treatments and medications or to evaluate treatment effectiveness. Some of the procedures performed for treatment administration include:

• Chemoport placement for patients receiving chemotherapy
• Biopsy procedures to monitor treatment progress
• Feeding procedures such as jejunostomy and gastrostomy to provide nutrition to patients who cannot use a feeding tube

Cancer Screening

Cancer screening involves the examination for signs of cancer in the body before symptoms manifest. This proactive approach is effective in preventing, diagnosing, or halting the progression of cancers before symptoms become apparent in a patient. Cancer screening benefits all individuals, but it is particularly crucial for those with a family history of certain cancers, such as prostate cancer, uterine cancer, and breast cancer. Undergoing screening tests for breast, cervix, or colon cancer can help detect cancer at an early stage, when treatments are most likely to be effective. In some cases, screening for lung cancer may also be recommended for individuals at high risk.

Rehabilitative & Palliative Care

In advanced stages of cancer, curing it may not be feasible. Surgical oncologists often shift their focus to enhancing patients’ quality of life and alleviating the pain associated with various treatments. Palliative surgery is a procedure performed by surgical oncologists to alleviate the symptoms of cancer. If a tumour is exerting pressure on nerves, causing a range of sensations, removing the tumour may provide relief from these symptoms, even though it may not result in a complete cure for the cancer.