at Sterling Hospitals
Surgery plays an important role in cancer management, whether the aim is to remove a tumour, determine the extent of the disease or address cancer-related complications. Deciding when surgery is appropriate requires careful assessment of the cancer's type, location and stage, along with the patient's overall health and treatment goals. At Sterling Hospitals, Gandhidham, our surgical oncologists assess these factors to determine suitable surgical approaches, which may range from minimally invasive procedures to complex tumour removals. They also work in coordination with other cancer specialists, when required, to help establish an appropriate treatment plan for each patient.
A surgical oncologist is a doctor who specialises in treating cancer through surgery. They assess whether an operation may help manage the disease, determine the appropriate surgical approach and consider how surgery fits into the patient's overall treatment plan. Depending on the type and extent of cancer, this may involve removing a tumour, examining nearby lymph nodes or obtaining tissue samples to help establish a diagnosis. Surgical oncologists may also collaborate with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and other specialists to coordinate cancer care.
At Sterling Hospitals,Gandhidham, surgical oncologists manage cancers that may require a surgery as part of diagnosis or treatment. Here are the different types of cancers they commonly treat.
Breast Cancer: Breast cancer develops when cells in the breast grow abnormally and form a tumour. Surgery may be recommended to remove the cancer while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible, depending on the tumour's size, location and extent. Surgical options may include breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy. Some patients may also require lymph node assessment or reconstructive procedures as part of their treatment plan.
Gastrointestinal Cancers: Gastrointestinal cancers affect organs of the digestive system, including the oesophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, liver and pancreas. Surgery may involve removing the tumour and affected tissue, with the approach determined by the cancer's location, stage and involvement of surrounding structures.Depending on the diagnosis, procedures may include colorectal cancer surgery, oesophagectomy, liver resection or the Whipple procedure for selected pancreatic and periampullary cancers. Some patients with cancer spread within the abdominal cavity may be considered for cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).
Lung Cancer: Lung cancer develops when abnormal cells grow in the lungs. Surgery may be an option for selected patients, particularly when the disease can be removed surgically and the patient's lung function permits an operation. The procedure depends on the tumour's location, size and extent.One surgical option is a lobectomy, which involves removing the affected lobe of the lung. Other approaches may be considered depending on the clinical findings and the extent of the disease.
Head And Neck Cancers: Head and neck cancers can affect the mouth, tongue, throat, voice box and surrounding structures. Surgical treatment aims to remove the cancer while preserving important functions, such as speaking, swallowing and breathing, wherever possible.Depending on the site and extent of the tumour, surgery may involve removing affected tissue, assessing nearby lymph nodes or reconstructing the affected area. Complex procedures may require reconstructive techniques, including microvascular free-flap surgery, to restore tissue and support function after tumour removal.
Gynaecological Cancers: Gynaecological cancers affect the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus and cervix. Surgery may be recommended depending on the cancer type, stage and spread. Procedures can include hysterectomy for selected uterine cancers, ovarian cancer surgery and debulking surgery, which aims to remove as much visible tumour as possible in appropriate cases.The extent of surgery depends on the individual diagnosis and whether additional treatment, such as chemotherapy, is required.
Urological Cancers: Urological cancers affect the urinary system and, in some cases, the male reproductive system. These include cancers of the kidneys, urinary bladder, prostate and testes. Surgical treatment varies according to the organ involved, the stage of cancer and the patient's overall health.Depending on the diagnosis, surgery may involve removing a tumour, part of an affected organ or the entire organ. Organ-preserving and minimally invasive approaches may be considered when clinically appropriate.
Thyroid Cancer: Thyroid cancer develops in the thyroid gland, located at the front of the neck. Surgery is a common treatment option for many thyroid cancers, although the extent of surgery depends on the tumour's type, size and spread. It may involve removing part of the thyroid gland or the entire gland. Assessment of nearby lymph nodes may also be necessary in selected cases.
Skin Cancer and Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Skin cancers develop in the cells of the skin, while soft tissue sarcomas arise in tissues such as muscle, fat, connective tissue or blood vessels. Surgical treatment may involve removing the tumour along with an appropriate margin of surrounding tissue. The surgical plan depends on the tumour's type, location, size and extent, with reconstructive procedures sometimes needed after removal.
Our surgical oncologists select the appropriate surgical approach based on the tumour's location, size and extent, the structures involved, and the patient's overall health. These approaches include:
Open surgery involves making an incision to provide direct access to the affected organ or tissue. It may be necessary for complex tumours, extensive disease or cases where the surgeon needs direct access to surrounding structures. Depending on the cancer, the operation may involve removing a tumour, part of an affected organ or nearby tissues and lymph nodes.
Minimally invasive cancer surgery uses small incisions and specialised instruments to operate on affected tissues. A camera provides images of the surgical area, allowing the surgeon to perform the procedure without making a large incision. Common approaches include:Laparoscopic Surgery: Uses a camera and specialised instruments inserted through small incisions to perform operations within the abdomen.Thoracoscopic Surgery: Uses a camera and instruments inserted through small incisions in the chest to perform selected procedures involving the lungs and other structures within the chest.
Robot-assisted surgery is a form of minimally invasive surgery in which the surgeon controls specialised instruments through a robotic system. The system translates the surgeon's hand movements into precise instrument movements and provides a magnified view of the surgical area.This approach may be considered for selected cancer operations where access to the tumour and the nature of the procedure make it appropriate. The decision depends on the cancer's characteristics, the patient's condition and the surgical team's expertise. Robotic-assisted surgery is not suitable for every cancer, and its potential benefits vary by procedure.
A referral to a surgical oncologist may be recommended when a suspected or confirmed cancer requires assessment for possible surgical treatment. Some of the situations in which a referral may be considered include:
Suspected Cancer: When imaging tests or clinical examinations reveal a suspicious mass or growth that requires further investigation, a surgical oncologist may assess whether a biopsy or another diagnostic procedure is appropriate.
Confirmed Cancer Diagnosis: Following a cancer diagnosis, a surgical oncologist evaluates whether the tumour can be removed and whether surgery may help manage the disease.
Tumour Removal: When a tumour may be suitable for surgical removal, the specialist assesses its size, location and involvement of surrounding tissues to determine an appropriate surgical approach.
Lymph Node Assessment: When cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes, a surgical oncologist may evaluate whether lymph node sampling or removal is necessary for diagnosis, staging or treatment.
Cancer Recurrence: If cancer returns after previous treatment, a surgical oncologist may assess whether further surgery could help manage the recurrence, depending on its location, extent and previous treatments.
Multidisciplinary Treatment Planning: When cancer treatment involves surgery alongside chemotherapy, radiation therapy or other treatments, a surgical oncologist may work with other specialists to determine an appropriate treatment plan.
Patients seeking a surgical oncology consultation can explore the available specialists at Sterling Hospitals, Gandhidham, to find a doctor suited to their diagnosis and treatment requirements.
Book Online: Patients can also explore surgical oncologist profiles on our specialists page and use the available appointment-booking facility.
The general process involves:: Choose a Hospital Location: Select the relevant Sterling Hospitals location in Gandhidham.Find a Surgical Oncologist: Review available doctor profiles, areas of specialisation and consultation details.Enter Patient Information: Provide the required contact and patient details.Select an Appointment: Choose from the available dates and times and complete the booking process.Patients should confirm the specialist's availability and appointment details through Sterling Hospitals' official booking channels.
Yes. A surgical oncologist can review an existing diagnosis, imaging findings and proposed treatment plan to provide an additional clinical assessment. Patients should bring their available medical records and pathology reports to help the specialist understand the case.
A referral is not always necessary to consult a surgical oncologist. Patients with a suspected or confirmed cancer can seek a consultation to discuss their diagnosis and potential treatment options.
The surgical oncologist will typically review the patient's medical history, symptoms, investigation reports and previous treatments. Depending on the findings, the doctor may recommend further tests, discuss whether surgery is appropriate or explain how a surgical assessment fits into the broader treatment plan.
Patients should bring available biopsy reports, pathology findings, imaging reports and scans, blood test results, previous treatment records and a list of current medicines. These help the doctor assess the diagnosis and determine whether additional investigations are needed.
Seeking a second opinion can help patients better understand their diagnosis, the proposed surgical procedure and other available treatment options. A surgical oncologist can review the pathology reports, imaging findings and recommended treatment plan to provide an independent clinical assessment. This may help patients make a more informed decision about their care.
Patients may find it helpful to ask about the purpose of the proposed surgery, its potential benefits and risks, alternative treatment options, expected recovery and any additional treatment that may be needed. It is also reasonable to clarify how the procedure could affect daily activities and what follow-up care may involve. These questions can help patients understand the proposed approach and make informed decisions about their treatment.
