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What a surgical oncologist does

A surgical oncologist is a surgeon who specialises in removing cancers and performing biopsies and staging operations. Training is an MS in General Surgery followed by an MCh or DNB in Surgical Oncology. Surgical oncologists work in teams with medical and radiation oncologists, pathologists and radiologists to decide the best treatment, and they follow patients after surgery.

Common cancer surgeries

• Breast cancer: lumpectomy, mastectomy and lymph node surgery, with reconstruction options.
• Oral and head-and-neck cancers, including reconstruction.
• Stomach, colon, rectal, liver, pancreatic and gallbladder cancers.
• Gynaecological cancers such as ovarian, uterine and cervical cancer.
• Thyroid, skin, soft-tissue sarcoma and bone tumours.
• Minimally invasive and robotic cancer surgery in selected cases.

Biopsy, staging and planning

A tissue diagnosis (biopsy) is essential before treatment. Scans such as CT, MRI or PET-CT define the stage. Blood tests including CBC, liver and kidney function and tumour markers help planning and follow-up but cannot diagnose cancer alone. Tumour board discussions help decide whether surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy should come first.

Recovery and follow-up

Recovery depends on the operation and may involve drains, rehabilitation and nutrition support. Follow-up visits and scans check for recurrence. Ask about the aims of surgery, the risks and expected functional outcome.

Costs and choosing

Consultation fees commonly range from about ₹800 to ₹2,500 and may vary; surgery costs vary widely by cancer type, hospital and technique, and government schemes support eligible patients. Prefer an MCh/DNB surgical oncologist at a centre that handles many similar cases and offers multidisciplinary care, and feel free to take a second opinion. Compare surgeons and book on Lab Dekho.

Trusted References

This guide is original content informed by recognised medical and public-health sources. For further reading:

• NABH – hospital accreditation standards
• NABL – laboratory accreditation
• Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
• Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
• Mayo Clinic – Patient care & health information
• Cleveland Clinic – Health Library
• WebMD – Health A–Z

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. Costs and fees are approximate and vary by provider. Institution names are given for orientation only; check current services and timings directly. In an emergency, call 108 or 112.