Surgical Oncology Treatment in India
If, unfortunately, you’re suffering from solid tumors, then cancer surgery can be a part of your treatment. Surgical oncology treatment in India is now becoming common among many patients with solid tumors. However, only an oncologist can suggest that you have cancer surgery if you are eligible for the same. Whether a patient needs surgical oncology treatment or not can be decided only after going through the reports and scans.
If you’re looking for surgical oncology treatment in India, there are a few things you should know. First, the treatment involves the use of specialized surgical procedures to remove cancerous tissue, examine tumours, obtain tissue for further diagnosis, and manage recurrent cancer. In India, you can also find facilities that conduct modern cancer surgery, including open, laparoscopic, minimally invasive, and robotic-assisted procedures.
On the one hand, surgical oncology treatment in India can be efficient; on the other, it can be more affordable than in Western countries, where treatment may cost millions of dollars. Since India has developed a broad network of specialized cancer hospitals with experienced surgical oncologists, cancer surgery in India is now being preferred by people living in other countries.
Some cancers commonly treated through cancer surgery include:
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Liver and pancreatic cancers
- Lung cancer
- Stomach and gastrointestinal cancers
- Head and neck cancers
- Prostate and other urological cancers
- Gynaecological cancers
- Bone and soft-tissue tumours
- Selected thyroid cancers
For international patients exploring surgical oncology in India, treatment is generally planned after reviewing medical records, biopsy reports, imaging, and other relevant investigations.
Related: Things to Know Before Travelling to India for Medical Treatment
Best Surgical Oncologist in India
India has many skilled surgical oncologists who manage all types of cancer, from localized to more complex cases. The best surgical oncologists in India can perform a variety of surgical procedures for different cancers. The type of surgeries they perform also depends on the nature and extent of the cancer.
There are several experienced cancer surgeons in India who work in major cancer centres and hospitals. Your treatment and health condition will largely determine the type of surgery you will undergo. If you are seeking a cancer surgery specialist in India, you can find the best specialists experienced in procedures involving different organs and cancer types.
Common Types of Surgical Oncology in India
Breast Cancer Surgery
This surgery involves lumpectomy, mastectomy, lymph node procedures, or selected reconstructive procedures. The procedure will depend on your treatment plan.
Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgery
This surgery is performed on cancer of the stomach, oesophagus, small intestine, and other parts of the digestive system.
Colorectal Cancer Surgery
This surgery treats selected cancers of the colon and rectum.
Lung Cancer Surgery
This surgery can be an important treatment for selected patients with localized lung cancer. Procedures may range from smaller resections to removal of part of, or in selected circumstances the entire, lung.
Liver and Pancreatic Cancer Surgery
These procedures can be highly complex because of the location of these organs and their relationship with major blood vessels and surrounding structures. Specialized hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgical teams may manage such cases.
Urological Cancer Surgery
Urologic oncology surgery involves cancers of the urinary system, for example, cancers of the kidney, bladder and prostate. Surgeries of the urinary system can also include cancers of the ureters.
Gynecologic Cancer Surgery
Gynecologic oncology surgeries involve cancers of the female reproductive system, for example, cancers of the uterus, cervix, and ovaries.
Best Surgical Oncology Hospital in India
Several hospitals in India have dedicated teams of surgical oncologists. These hospitals also have other cancer specialists, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, diagnosticians, and critical care specialists.
The best surgical oncology hospitals in India also have the latest and most advanced equipment for cancer surgeries. Therefore, cancer patients, especially from developing countries, travel to India for treatment. Many of the multispecialty hospitals in India have a dedicated oncology OT, ICU, and advanced diagnostic services.
Surgical Oncology Cost in India for Foreigners
The cost of surgical oncology in India for international patients varies by case. It depends on the type and stage of cancer, the surgery required, and the cost of treatment in the country and hospital where the patient is staying.
The cost of cancer surgery also depends on whether the patient requires additional treatment like chemotherapy in India or radiation therapy in India. The type of surgery required (robotic surgery, laparoscopic surgery, open surgery, etc.) affects the cost. Lastly, treatment cost also depends on whether the patient requires Intensive Care Unit (ICU) care after surgery.
The cancer surgery cost in India may include several components, such as:
- Initial specialist consultation
- Diagnostic tests and imaging
- Biopsy or pathology
- Surgical and professional fees
- Operation-theatre charges
- Anaesthesia
- Hospital room and nursing care
- Medicines and consumables
- ICU care, if required
- Pathology examination of the surgical specimen
- Post-operative monitoring
- Follow-up consultations
- Rehabilitation or supportive care
Oncology surgery costs in India can be higher for complex procedures requiring reconstruction, prolonged hospitalization, or intensive-care support. Similarly, the cancer surgery treatment cost in India depends on whether the patient requires surgery alone or surgery combined with chemotherapy, radiation or other therapies.
Surgical oncology treatment costs in India can also vary depending on whether the procedure is open, laparoscopic, minimally invasive, or robotic-assisted. Robotic surgery, where clinically appropriate, may involve additional technology-related costs.
Health Prio: Connect for Surgical Oncology in India
Finding the right hospital and surgical oncologist is part of the process for patients who want to understand their treatment options. Health Prio helps international patients connect with the right surgical oncologists and cancer hospitals in India. In addition, individuals also connect with HealthPrio for IVF treatment, organ transplant, eye treatment, etc.
The process can begin with sharing medical records, pathology reports, scans and previous treatment information. These documents help the right specialist understand the diagnosis before the consultation.
Health Prio can assist with:
- Identifying suitable surgical oncology specialists
- Connecting patients with cancer hospitals
- Sharing medical records and diagnostic reports
- Coordinating specialist consultations
- Obtaining treatment opinions
- Understanding surgical treatment options
- Obtaining estimated treatment costs
- Coordinating appointments
- Supporting international patients with treatment logistics
- Coordinating follow-up care
For overseas patients, support may also involve coordinating communication with hospitals and helping organise practical aspects of the treatment journey. International cancer centres in India commonly provide dedicated support for medical appointments, travel, accommodation, interpreters and other patient services.
Benefits and Goals of Cancer Surgery
Cancer surgery can have different objectives depending on the type and stage of cancer.
- Removal of a cancerous tumour
- Treatment of certain localised cancers
- Obtaining tissue for diagnosis and staging
- Reducing tumour burden
- Treating recurrent cancer
- Relieving symptoms
- Supporting chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Reconstruction or restoration of function
Who Can Benefit from Surgical Oncology?
Surgical oncology can benefit patients with different types and stages of cancer, but surgery is not appropriate for every patient.
- Patients with Localized Cancer
- Patients Requiring Diagnostic Surgery
- Patients with Locally Advanced Cancer
- Patients with Selected Metastatic Cancer
- Patients with Recurrent Cancer
- Patients Requiring Symptom Relief
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