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Speciality

Surgical Oncology

Cancer surgery

Surgical evaluation and planning for tumours that may need an operation as part of cancer care.

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Overview

Understanding surgical oncology

Surgical oncology focuses on the surgical part of cancer care — assessing whether a tumour can be operated on, planning the right type of surgery, and carrying out the operation as safely as possible. This differs from medical oncology, which centres on chemotherapy and drug-based treatment.

Read more about Surgical Oncology

Surgeons in this speciality work closely with radiologists, pathologists and medical oncology teams to decide the best sequence of care, since some tumours are operated on first while others are treated with other therapies before or after surgery. They also perform biopsies to help confirm a diagnosis before any major decision is made.

This speciality helps people who have a confirmed or suspected tumour that may require surgical removal, those needing a biopsy to establish a diagnosis, and patients who need reconstructive planning as part of their cancer treatment.

Your first visit

During your first surgical oncology visit, the surgeon will review your symptoms, examine the area of concern, and go through any existing scans or biopsy reports. Please bring all previous imaging films or discs, pathology reports, and a list of current medicines.

What else to expect

Depending on what is already known, the surgeon may recommend further imaging or a biopsy before deciding on the best surgical approach, and will explain the general plan, expected recovery, and any preparation needed before an operation.

Conditions

Conditions this speciality covers

General health information about some common conditions in this field — not a complete list, and not confirmation that every treatment mentioned is available at the hospital. Please speak to a doctor about your own situation.

Breast lumps requiring surgical evaluation

A lump in the breast that needs assessment to determine whether it is benign or requires further treatment.

Learn more about Breast lumps requiring surgical evaluation

Breast lumps are common and most are not cancerous, but any new or persistent lump should be properly evaluated. Surgical oncology becomes involved when a biopsy or surgical removal is being considered.

Common symptoms

  • A palpable lump in the breast
  • Changes in breast skin texture
  • Nipple discharge
  • Change in breast shape
  • Swelling under the arm

How it is assessed

Assessment usually involves imaging such as ultrasound or mammography followed by a needle biopsy if needed.

Treatment options

Management depends on biopsy findings and may range from monitoring to surgical removal, planned in coordination with other specialists.

Soft tissue and skin tumours

Growths arising in soft tissue or skin that may need surgical removal.

Learn more about Soft tissue and skin tumours

These can appear as a lump under the skin or a changing skin lesion. Most are benign, but persistent or unusual growths need proper evaluation to rule out malignancy.

Common symptoms

  • A firm lump under the skin
  • A mole or lesion changing in size or colour
  • Ulceration of a skin lesion
  • Localised swelling
  • Pain at the site of a growth

How it is assessed

A clinical examination along with imaging and biopsy helps determine the nature of the growth.

Treatment options

Surgical removal is common when indicated, with the extent of surgery depending on biopsy results.

Gastrointestinal tumours

Growths within the stomach, bowel or related organs that may need surgical management.

Learn more about Gastrointestinal tumours

These tumours can cause symptoms such as pain, altered bowel habits, or bleeding, and are often first identified through imaging or endoscopy before surgical evaluation.

Common symptoms

  • Persistent abdominal pain
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Change in bowel habits
  • Blood in stools
  • Loss of appetite

How it is assessed

Assessment involves imaging, endoscopy and biopsy to confirm the diagnosis before planning surgery.

Treatment options

Treatment planning is individualised and may involve surgery alone or combined with other cancer therapies.

Head and neck masses

Lumps or swellings in the neck, mouth or throat region that need surgical assessment.

Learn more about Head and neck masses

These can arise from lymph nodes, salivary glands, or other tissue in the head and neck area, and evaluation helps determine whether surgery is needed.

Common symptoms

  • A lump in the neck
  • Persistent hoarseness
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • A sore or ulcer that does not heal
  • Unexplained ear pain

How it is assessed

Examination, imaging and biopsy of the affected area guide the diagnosis.

Treatment options

Depending on findings, treatment may involve surgical removal alongside other therapies as advised.

Post-treatment reconstruction needs

The need to restore form or function to an area after tumour removal surgery.

Learn more about Post-treatment reconstruction needs

Some surgical procedures for tumour removal affect the appearance or function of the area involved, and reconstructive planning is considered alongside the main surgery.

Common symptoms

  • Loss of tissue after tumour removal
  • Functional limitation after surgery
  • Concerns about appearance after an operation
  • Scarring needing further management

How it is assessed

Assessment is done jointly with reconstructive specialists based on the extent of the original surgery.

Treatment options

Reconstructive options are discussed individually and may be planned at the time of the main surgery or afterward.

Services

Tests, treatments and services

Charges and preparation apply to a consultation, test or procedure — not to a condition.

Common approaches in this speciality

General health information about how doctors in this field usually investigate and treat — not a list of services confirmed at Shreejii. Please ask reception what is available.

Consultations

  • Surgical oncology consultation

    A review of your history, examination findings and existing reports to assess suitability for surgery.

    Why and what it involves: Surgical oncology consultation

    Why it is done: To decide whether surgery is an appropriate part of your care.

    What it involves: Discussion, physical examination and review of imaging or biopsy reports.

Diagnostic tests

  • Image-guided or excisional biopsy

    Removal of a tissue sample from the suspected tumour for laboratory diagnosis.

    Why and what it involves: Image-guided or excisional biopsy

    Why it is done: To confirm the nature of the growth before deciding on treatment.

    What it involves: A minor procedure, sometimes guided by ultrasound or CT imaging.

Treatments & procedures

  • Tumour removal surgery

    An operation to remove the tumour along with an appropriate margin of surrounding tissue.

    Why and what it involves: Tumour removal surgery

    Why it is done: To remove the tumour as part of the overall treatment plan.

    What it involves: Hospital admission, the surgical procedure, and a period of recovery.

Follow-up & ongoing care

  • Post-operative review

    Scheduled visits after surgery to check healing and review the final pathology report.

    Why and what it involves: Post-operative review

    Why it is done: To monitor recovery and plan any further treatment needed.

    What it involves: Wound review, discussion of pathology results, and planning next steps.

Specialists

Doctors in Surgical Oncology

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Costs

Charges and estimates

The hospital has not published verified charges for this speciality yet. Contact the hospital for a personalised estimate — the cost depends on the consultation, tests or procedure your doctor recommends.

Final bills depend on your treatment plan, room category and clinical needs. Insurance cover and cashless approval depend on your insurer and policy.

Request an estimateInsurance assistance

Health library

Health articles on Surgical Oncology

Understanding a New Cancer or Blood Disorder Diagnosis

A practical guide to the first steps after a cancer or blood disorder diagnosis, including what tests to expect, how to prepare, and how to organise your reports and questions for the doctor.

28 September 2026

View all articles

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Does needing surgery always mean the tumour is cancerous?

No. Surgery may be recommended simply to remove a lump for biopsy or because it is causing symptoms, even before it is known whether it is cancerous. The tissue is examined afterward to confirm the diagnosis.

Will I always need chemotherapy in addition to surgery?

Not always. Whether additional treatment is needed depends on the type, size and spread of the tumour, which is decided after reviewing the full picture with the wider care team.

How is surgical oncology different from general surgery?

Surgical oncology specifically deals with tumour removal and cancer-related procedures, with attention to margins, staging and coordination with cancer treatment teams, whereas general surgery covers a broader range of conditions.

Can reconstruction be done at the same time as tumour removal?

In some cases, reconstruction can be planned alongside the main surgery, while in others it is done at a later stage. This is decided individually based on the extent of surgery required.

How soon will I know the results after surgery?

Tissue removed during surgery is sent for detailed laboratory examination, which generally takes some time. Your surgeon will explain the report once it is available and discuss any further steps.

Sources for general health information

This page is general health education, not medical advice. It has not been individually reviewed by a Shreejii doctor unless stated.

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