What Does Surgical Oncologist Do ?

What Does a Surgical Oncologist Do?

Cancer treatment has advanced tremendously over the past few decades. Today, cancer care involves a team of highly specialized experts working together to provide the best possible outcomes for patients. One of the most important specialists in this team is a Surgical Oncologist.

Many patients and families commonly ask:

“What exactly does a Surgical Oncologist do?”

Understanding the role of a Surgical Oncologist can help patients make informed decisions, reduce fear, and feel more confident during cancer treatment.

Who Is a Surgical Oncologist?

A Surgical Oncologist is a doctor specially trained in diagnosing, staging, and surgically treating cancers. Unlike general surgeons, surgical oncologists undergo advanced training focused specifically on cancer biology, tumor behavior, and complex cancer surgeries.

Their expertise includes:

• Cancer diagnosis

• Tumor removal surgery

• Cancer staging procedures

• Organ-preserving surgeries

• Minimally invasive cancer surgery

• Advanced cancer procedures like HIPEC and PIPAC

• Multidisciplinary cancer management

Surgical oncologists play a major role in improving both cancer survival and quality of life.

What Types of Cancer Does a Surgical Oncologist Treat?

Surgical oncologists treat a wide variety of cancers, including:

• Breast cancer

• Colon and rectal cancer

• Stomach (gastric) cancer

• Ovarian cancer

• Cervical cancer

• Oral cancer

• Thyroid cancer

• Liver tumors

• Pancreatic cancer

• Soft tissue sarcoma

• Peritoneal surface malignancies

Modern cancer surgery is highly specialized and tailored to each individual patient.

What Does a Surgical Oncologist Actually Do?

1. Diagnosis of Cancer

One of the first steps in cancer treatment is confirming the diagnosis.

A Surgical Oncologist may perform:

• Needle biopsies

• Excision biopsies

• Lymph node biopsies

• Diagnostic laparoscopic procedures

These procedures help determine whether a growth or lump is cancerous.

2. Surgical Removal of Tumors

The primary role of a Surgical Oncologist is safely removing cancer while preserving normal organs and body function whenever possible.

Goals of cancer surgery include:

• Completely removing cancer

• Preventing cancer spread

• Reducing symptoms

• Improving survival

• Enhancing quality of life

Depending on the stage of disease, surgery may be:

• Curative

• Diagnostic

• Preventive

• Palliative

3. Cancer Staging

Cancer staging helps determine how far the disease has spread.

Surgical oncologists evaluate:

• Tumor size

• Lymph node involvement

• Invasion into nearby organs

• Presence of metastasis

Accurate staging is extremely important because treatment plans depend on the stage of cancer.

Modern Advances in Cancer Surgery

Cancer surgery has evolved significantly with newer technologies and advanced treatment approaches.

Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery

Today, many cancer operations can be performed using:

• Laparoscopic surgery

• Robotic surgery

• Organ-preserving techniques

Benefits may include:

• Smaller scars

• Less pain

• Faster recovery

• Shorter hospital stay

• Earlier return to daily life

Minimally invasive surgery is now commonly used for gastrointestinal, gynecological, and colorectal cancers.

Advanced Cancer Procedures

Specialized Surgical Oncologists may perform advanced procedures for selected patients with metastatic or recurrent cancers.

Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS)

A complex surgery performed to remove visible cancer deposits within the abdominal cavity.

HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy)

HIPEC is a highly specialized treatment where heated chemotherapy is delivered directly into the abdomen during surgery.

HIPEC may be used in selected patients with:

• Ovarian cancer

• Colorectal cancer

• Gastric cancer

• Pseudomyxoma peritonei

• Peritoneal mesothelioma

PIPAC (Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy)

PIPAC is an advanced minimally invasive treatment for selected patients with peritoneal metastasis where chemotherapy is delivered as a pressurized aerosol inside the abdomen.

This emerging treatment is showing promising results in carefully selected patients.

When Should You Consult a Surgical Oncologist?

You should consult a Surgical Oncologist if:

• You have been diagnosed with cancer

• A biopsy shows suspicious or malignant cells

• You notice a persistent lump or swelling

• A tumor requires surgical removal

• You need a second opinion regarding cancer surgery

• Advanced procedures like HIPEC or PIPAC are being considered

Early consultation often leads to better outcomes and more treatment options.

Difference Between a General Surgeon and Surgical Oncologist

General Surgeon	Surgical Oncologist
Treats multiple surgical conditions	Specializes exclusively in cancer surgery
Basic surgical training	Advanced oncology-focused training
Performs routine tumor surgery	Expertise in complex cancer surgeries
General surgical procedures	Multidisciplinary cancer management
Limited cancer specialization	Specialized cancer treatment planning

Cancer surgery often requires highly specialized skills because tumors may involve blood vessels, lymph nodes, or multiple organs.

Importance of Early Cancer Detection

Many cancers are curable if detected early.

Warning signs that should never be ignored:

• Unexplained weight loss

• Persistent lumps or swelling

• Blood in stool or urine

• Non-healing ulcers

• Difficulty swallowing

• Persistent cough

• Change in bowel habits

• Abnormal bleeding

Regular cancer screening and early medical evaluation can save lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is surgery always necessary for cancer?

Not always. Some cancers may be treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy. However, surgery remains one of the most effective treatments for many solid tumors.

Can cancer be cured with surgery?

Yes. Many early-stage cancers can be completely cured if surgically removed before spreading.

Is cancer surgery safe?

Modern cancer surgery is much safer today due to advances in:

• Anesthesia

• ICU care

• Imaging technology

• Minimally invasive surgery

• Robotic surgery

How long does recovery take after cancer surgery?

Recovery depends on the type of surgery performed. Minimally invasive procedures usually allow faster recovery and shorter hospital stay.

Can advanced cancers still be treated surgically?

Yes. Selected patients with advanced cancers may benefit from specialized procedures such as:

• Cytoreductive surgery

• HIPEC

• PIPAC

• Metastasectomy

Treatment decisions are individualized based on the patient’s condition and extent of disease.

Final Thoughts

A Surgical Oncologist plays a crucial role in modern cancer care — from diagnosis and staging to advanced surgical treatment and long-term management.

With advances in technology, minimally invasive techniques, and multidisciplinary care, cancer treatment has become more personalized and effective than ever before.

Early diagnosis, timely treatment, and expert cancer care can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.

About the Author

Dr. Vimalathithan

MS, MRCS (UK), M.Ch, DNB (Surgical Oncology), FMAS, FAIS, FICRS (Robotic Surgery)

Clinical Lead & Senior Consultant – Surgical OncologyGleneagles Fortis Hospital

Special Interests:

• Gastrointestinal Oncology

• Peritoneal Surface Malignancies

• HIPEC & PIPAC

• Robotic Cancer Surgery

• Minimally Invasive Oncosurgery

• Advanced Cancer Surgery

Website:

Oncospecialist.com

For Appointments:

📞 +91 99628 66666

Location:

Chennai