Surgical Oncology

Introduction

Looking for Surgical Oncology Treatment in India? India has many top-notch cancer hospitals, which offer high-quality care, advanced medical technology, and expert oncologists, all at a significantly lower cost compared to many other countries. Indian cancer centres are known not just for their modern facilities but also for their caring and patient-friendly approach. They treat many types of cancers, including head and neck cancers, breast cancer, and other complex cases, with great success.

In this blog, we will explore the different surgical techniques used in cancer treatment and explain why choosing surgical oncology treatment in India can be one of the best decisions for international patients.

A Brief About Surgical Oncology Treatment

Surgical oncology is a branch of medicine that treats cancer with surgery, and it removes tumors and cancerous tissue to help diagnose, stage, and treat many types of cancer. It is an important part of cancer care and often works with other treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies to achieve the best possible results for patients.

Techniques used in Surgical Oncology Treatment in India

Surgical oncology includes different types of surgeries used to treat various cancers. The type of surgery depends on the type and stage of cancer, and the patient’s overall health. The main types are:

• Minimally Invasive Oncologic Surgery (Laparoscopic/Robotic)

Minimally invasive oncologic surgery uses small cuts to remove cancer, and this includes laparoscopic and robotic techniques, which help patients experience less pain, lower chances of infection, and quicker recovery than traditional surgery.  It involves using a camera and special tools through small openings. While robotic surgery is a more advanced method where a surgeon controls a robotic arm from a console for more precision, 3D visualisation, and better handling of complex cases. These techniques provide effective results in treating various types of cancer, including prostate, bladder, gynecologic, and gastrointestinal tumors.

• Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping (SLNM)

Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping (SLNM) is a surgical technique used in cancer treatment. It helps doctors find and remove the first lymph node where cancer might spread. To do this, a special blue dye, a radioactive substance, is injected near the tumor. The tracer then moves to the sentinel nodes through the lymphatic system. By checking these nodes, surgeons can see if cancer has spread, which helps them avoid removing many lymph nodes and reduces the risk of problems like lymphedema.

• Fluorescence-Guided Surgery (ICG, 5-ALA)

Fluorescence-Guided Surgery (FGS) helps surgeons see and remove cancer tumors more completely using special fluorescent dyes, like ICG and 5-ALA. 5-ALA gathers in tumor cells, making them glow red-pink when exposed to violet light, which is especially helpful for treating high-grade gliomas. Indocyanine green (ICG) is used for other types of cancer because it glows in near-infrared light. This helps doctors see blood flow and lymph nodes, making it easier to identify tumor edges in organs like the liver, pancreas, etc.

• Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT)

Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) gives a concentrated dose of radiation directly to the area where the tumor was removed during the operation. This helps to kill any leftover cancer cells and lowers the chance of the cancer coming back. IORT is often used alongside surgery and sometimes with other treatments like chemotherapy. This method helps for more precise targeting of the cancer and reduces damage to healthy tissue.

• Navigation-Assisted Resection

Navigation-assisted surgery uses a computer system to provide real-time guidance during operations, and this helps surgeons remove tumors more precisely. Combining pre-surgery scans like CT and MRI can lead to more accurate bone cuts and help ensure that no cancerous tissue is left behind.

• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a simple surgery that uses heat from radio waves to destroy cancer tumors, which helps treat both primary tumors and metastatic tumors. Doctors often use RFA when a tumor is too large, in a difficult location, and also when the patient's health does not allow for traditional surgery. RFA is mainly used for tumors in the liver, lungs, kidneys, and bones.

• da Vinci Robotic System

The da Vinci robotic system helps doctors perform less invasive cancer surgeries, which gives surgeons more precision, a clear 3D view, and better control while they work from a console. Surgeons use robotic arms with tools, which helps for smaller cuts, less bleeding, and less pain for patients. This technology treats various cancers, including prostate, lung, uterine, and colon cancers, and it aims to improve patient recovery time and outcomes.

• Laparoscopy Thoracoscopy

Laparoscopy and thoracoscopy are small-incision surgeries used in cancer treatment and diagnosis. These techniques use tiny cuts to insert a camera and special tools. They offer advantages like smaller scars, less pain, and quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery. Both methods provide clearer views, helping doctors to accurately assess and treat cancers.

What is the Cost of Surgical Oncology Treatment in India?

The cost of surgical oncology treatment in India varies significantly and depends on the type of surgery recommended, such of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) costs 15000 USD, breast cancer surgery costs 3400-4000 USD, and prostate cancer surgery costs 5800-6500 USD.

Note: If you want to know about all procedures of surgical oncology treatment in India and their costs, scroll down to get it.

Why Choose Surgical Oncology Treatment in India?

India has a large population, which means more people are getting cancer. This helps doctors learn from real cases and improve treatments. Medical care in India is much cheaper than in Western countries, so many international patients come here for treatment. This growth supports India’s medical tourism and builds trust in its healthcare system. Below are some important points that describe why surgical oncology treatment in India is a better option:

• Highly Experienced Doctors and Surgeons

India has internationally trained cancer specialists who handle complex surgeries, including tumor removal, robotic operations, and even organ transplants.

• Affordable Treatment

Cancer surgery in India can cost 60-80% less than in the USA, UK, and other developed countries, without lowering quality.

• Advanced Technology and Robotic Surgery

Hospitals use robotic systems, precision radiotherapy, PET-CT scans, and minimally invasive methods, which help make surgery safer and recovery faster.

• Globally Accredited Hospitals

Top Indian hospitals hold the Joint Commission International (JCI) and the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals (NABH) accreditations, which confirm international standards for safety, hygiene, and patient care.

• Complete and Personalised Care

From tests and diagnosis to surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and rehabilitation, patients get the full range of cancer care in one place.

• Holistic Support

Treatment plans are tailored to each patient, and many centres also offer supportive care like yoga, ayurveda, and counselling to help with the emotional side of cancer.

• Minimal Waiting Times

Unlike many Western countries with long waiting lists, India usually offers quick appointments, fast diagnostics, and timely procedures, with proper care.