Oncological surgery, also known as cancer surgery, is a surgical procedure used to remove cancerous tissue from the body. This type of surgery is often used as a part of a multi-disciplinary approach to cancer treatment, which may also include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other therapies.
The goal of oncological surgery is to remove as much of the cancerous tissue as possible while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This may involve using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic surgery, or open surgery, depending on the specific case. After the surgery, the removed tissue is analysed to determine the stage and type of cancer, which helps guide further treatment.
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with oncological surgery, including bleeding, infection, and complications related to anaesthesia. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the surgery with a healthcare provider. Following the surgery, a comprehensive treatment plan may be developed to help manage cancer and improve outcomes.
Shinon Healthcare specialises in assisting patients with oncological surgeries. We provide travel arrangements, visa applications, and logistical support while working with a network of hospitals and medical professionals worldwide to ensure access to high-quality medical care. Shinon Healthcare also provides translation services and emotional support to help patients and their families navigate the treatment process with compassion and personalised care.
There are many different types of oncological surgeries, depending on the type, size, and location of cancer. Some common types of oncological surgeries include:
- Biopsy: A small sample of the tumour is removed for analysis and diagnosis.
- Lumpectomy: Removal of only the cancerous tissue and some surrounding tissue in cases of breast cancer.
- Mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast in cases of breast cancer.
- Colectomy: Removal of part or all of the colon in cases of colon cancer.
- Prostatectomy: Removal of the prostate gland in cases of prostate cancer.
- Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus in cases of uterine cancer.
- Lymph node removal: Removal of the lymph nodes near cancer to prevent the spread of cancerous cells.
Other types of oncological surgeries may include surgery to remove tumours or cancerous growths in the liver, lungs, or other organs. The specific type of surgery used will depend on the location and severity of cancer.
Surgery is frequently performed to remove the tumour, such as a lumpectomy or mastectomy.
Causes: Breast cancer can be caused by factors such as genetic mutations, hormonal influences, age, family history, previous history of breast cancer, radiation exposure, and certain lifestyle choices. Surgery is often recommended as a treatment option depending on the specific circumstances of the individual’s case.
Symptoms: Breast cancer symptoms that require surgery include:
1. Breast lump
2. Changes in breast size or shape
3. Nipple changes (retraction, redness, discharge)
4. Breast pain (less common)
5. Skin changes (thickening, texture changes)
6. Breast asymmetry
7. Enlarged lymph nodes
Causes: Breast cancer can be caused by factors such as genetic mutations, hormonal influences, age, family history, previous history of breast cancer, radiation exposure, and certain lifestyle choices. Surgery is often recommended as a treatment option depending on the specific circumstances of the individual’s case.
Symptoms: Breast cancer symptoms that require surgery include:
1. Breast lump
2. Changes in breast size or shape
3. Nipple changes (retraction, redness, discharge)
4. Breast pain (less common)
5. Skin changes (thickening, texture changes)
6. Breast asymmetry
7. Enlarged lymph nodes
Surgery is often necessary to remove the cancerous portion of the colon or rectum, which may involve procedures like colectomy or rectal resection.
Causes: Age, family history/genetics, personal history of polyps or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and lifestyle/dietary factors contribute to the development of colorectal cancer, often requiring surgical intervention.
Symptoms: Symptoms of Colorectal cancer that leads to surgery are:
1. Rectal bleeding
2. Persistent changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation
3. Abdominal pain or discomfort, including cramps
4. Unexplained weight loss
5. Fatigue and weakness
6. Iron deficiency anemia
7. Narrowing of the stool or feeling of incomplete bowel movements
8. Abdominal bloating or a feeling of fullness
9. A palpable mass or lump in the abdomen
Causes: Age, family history/genetics, personal history of polyps or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and lifestyle/dietary factors contribute to the development of colorectal cancer, often requiring surgical intervention.
Symptoms: Symptoms of Colorectal cancer that leads to surgery are:
1. Rectal bleeding
2. Persistent changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation
3. Abdominal pain or discomfort, including cramps
4. Unexplained weight loss
5. Fatigue and weakness
6. Iron deficiency anemia
7. Narrowing of the stool or feeling of incomplete bowel movements
8. Abdominal bloating or a feeling of fullness
9. A palpable mass or lump in the abdomen
Surgical options depend on the stage and location of the tumour. They may include lobectomy (removal of a lobe), pneumonectomy (removal of an entire lung), or wedge resection.
Causes: The causes of lung cancer that may lead to surgery include factors such as smoking tobacco, exposure to secondhand smoke, occupational exposure to certain chemicals and substances (like asbestos or radon), genetic predisposition, and environmental pollution. Surgery is often considered as a treatment option for lung cancer when the tumor is localized and operable.
Symptoms: The following are symptoms of lung cancer that necessitate surgery:
1. Persistent cough
2. Shortness of breath
3. Chest pain
4. Unexplained weight loss
Causes: The causes of lung cancer that may lead to surgery include factors such as smoking tobacco, exposure to secondhand smoke, occupational exposure to certain chemicals and substances (like asbestos or radon), genetic predisposition, and environmental pollution. Surgery is often considered as a treatment option for lung cancer when the tumor is localized and operable.
Symptoms: The following are symptoms of lung cancer that necessitate surgery:
1. Persistent cough
2. Shortness of breath
3. Chest pain
4. Unexplained weight loss
Surgery, such as radical prostatectomy, is a common treatment option to remove the prostate gland when the cancer is localised.
Causes: The causes of prostate cancer that may need surgery include factors such as genetic predisposition, age, family history of the disease, certain lifestyle choices (such as diet and exercise), exposure to certain chemicals, and hormonal imbalances.
Symptoms: Prostate cancer symptoms that require surgery include:
1. Difficulty in urination or weak urine flow
2. Frequent need to urinate, especially at night
3. Blood in urine or semen
4. Erectile dysfunction or trouble achieving or maintaining an erection
5. Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, lower back, or hips
6. Swelling in the legs or pelvic area
Causes: The causes of prostate cancer that may need surgery include factors such as genetic predisposition, age, family history of the disease, certain lifestyle choices (such as diet and exercise), exposure to certain chemicals, and hormonal imbalances.
Symptoms: Prostate cancer symptoms that require surgery include:
1. Difficulty in urination or weak urine flow
2. Frequent need to urinate, especially at night
3. Blood in urine or semen
4. Erectile dysfunction or trouble achieving or maintaining an erection
5. Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, lower back, or hips
6. Swelling in the legs or pelvic area
Surgery is often performed to remove the affected ovary or both ovaries, along with other involved tissues, in a procedure called oophorectomy.
Causes: The causes of ovarian cancer, which may require surgical intervention, are typically attributed to factors such as genetic mutations, family history of ovarian or breast cancer, age, hormone replacement therapy, endometriosis, obesity, and certain lifestyle choices. These factors can contribute to the development of ovarian cancer, prompting the need for surgical treatment.
Symptoms: The following are symptoms of ovarian cancer that require surgery:
1. Abdominal or pelvic pain
2. Bloating
3. Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
4. Urinary changes
5. Changes in bowel habits
6. Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Causes: The causes of ovarian cancer, which may require surgical intervention, are typically attributed to factors such as genetic mutations, family history of ovarian or breast cancer, age, hormone replacement therapy, endometriosis, obesity, and certain lifestyle choices. These factors can contribute to the development of ovarian cancer, prompting the need for surgical treatment.
Symptoms: The following are symptoms of ovarian cancer that require surgery:
1. Abdominal or pelvic pain
2. Bloating
3. Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
4. Urinary changes
5. Changes in bowel habits
6. Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Surgical excision is typically used to remove the melanoma and a margin of healthy tissue around it.
Causes: The primary causes of skin cancer that may require surgical intervention are excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources, such as tanning beds, and genetic predisposition.
Symptoms: The following are symptoms of skin cancer that warrant surgery:
1. Unusual growths or changes in moles
2. Irregular borders around skin
3. Changes in skin color
4. Large size of a mole
Causes: The primary causes of skin cancer that may require surgical intervention are excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources, such as tanning beds, and genetic predisposition.
Symptoms: The following are symptoms of skin cancer that warrant surgery:
1. Unusual growths or changes in moles
2. Irregular borders around skin
3. Changes in skin color
4. Large size of a mole
Surgical removal of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) may be recommended, along with lymph node removal in some cases.
Causes: Thyroid cancer can be caused by various factors that may eventually require surgery. Some of the common causes include genetic predisposition, exposure to radiation, certain inherited conditions, and abnormalities in the thyroid gland. Surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the cancerous thyroid tissue and prevent further spread or complications.
Symptoms: The symptoms of thyroid cancer that may lead to surgery can include:
1. Neck lump or swelling
2. Hoarseness or voice changes
3. Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Causes: Thyroid cancer can be caused by various factors that may eventually require surgery. Some of the common causes include genetic predisposition, exposure to radiation, certain inherited conditions, and abnormalities in the thyroid gland. Surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the cancerous thyroid tissue and prevent further spread or complications.
Symptoms: The symptoms of thyroid cancer that may lead to surgery can include:
1. Neck lump or swelling
2. Hoarseness or voice changes
3. Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Surgery, such as a pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure), may be performed to remove part or all of the pancreas, depending on the tumour location and stage.
Causes: The causes of pancreatic cancer that may lead to surgery include advanced age, tobacco use, family history of pancreatic cancer, obesity, chronic pancreatitis, certain genetic conditions, and exposure to certain chemicals or toxins.
Symptoms: The symptoms of pancreatic cancer that may lead to surgery can include:
1. Chronic Abdominal pain
2. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
3. Unexplained weight loss
4. Digestive problems
Causes: The causes of pancreatic cancer that may lead to surgery include advanced age, tobacco use, family history of pancreatic cancer, obesity, chronic pancreatitis, certain genetic conditions, and exposure to certain chemicals or toxins.
Symptoms: The symptoms of pancreatic cancer that may lead to surgery can include:
1. Chronic Abdominal pain
2. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
3. Unexplained weight loss
4. Digestive problems
Oncological surgery, also known as cancer surgery, is a surgical procedure used to remove cancerous tissue from the body. It is often used as a part of a multi-disciplinary approach to cancer treatment, which may also include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other therapies.
No, oncological surgery is not always the only treatment option for cancer. It may be used in conjunction with other treatments, or other treatments may be used on their own depending on the type and stage of cancer.
Like any surgical procedure, oncological surgery comes with risks such as bleeding, infection, and complications related to anaesthesia. The specific risks will depend on the type of surgery and the individual’s health status.
The recovery period after oncological surgery will vary depending on the specific procedure and the individual’s health status. Some surgeries may require only a short recovery period, while others may require weeks or even months of recovery.
The need for further treatment after oncological surgery will depend on the type and stage of cancer. In many cases, additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be needed to prevent the cancer from returning.
Not everyone is a candidate for oncological surgery. The decision to undergo surgery will depend on a number of factors, such as the type and stage of cancer, the location of the cancer, and the overall health status of the patient. The final decision is typically made by a team of healthcare professionals.
Preparing for oncological surgery will depend on the specific procedure and the individual’s health status. Patients will typically need to undergo a preoperative evaluation and may need to make lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or changing their diet, in the weeks leading up to the surgery.
The recovery period after oncological surgery can vary widely depending on the specific procedure and the individual’s health status. Patients can expect to experience some pain and discomfort after surgery and may need to take pain medication as prescribed by their doctor. They will also need to follow their doctor’s instructions for wound care and physical activity during the recovery period.
At Shinon Healthcare, we strive to make your medical journey as seamless and stress-free as possible. Our comprehensive range of services is designed to support you every step of the way, from pre-travel requirements to post-operative follow-ups. Here’s how we can help:
- Healthcare consulting and medical insurance: We provide expert guidance and assistance in choosing the right healthcare plan and medical insurance.
- Dedicated case manager: Each client is assigned a dedicated case manager who provides personalised support throughout the entire medical journey.
- Recommendations for treatments, doctors, and hospitals: Our team of medical experts provides recommendations for the best treatments, doctors, and hospitals to suit your needs
- Second opinion options: We offer second opinion options from leading medical professionals to ensure you make informed decisions about your medical treatment.
- Onsite surgeries: We facilitate onsite surgeries at top-tier hospitals to ensure the highest quality of medical care.
- Lab solutions and pharmacy supplies: We provide access to high-quality laboratory solutions and pharmacy supplies for your convenience.
- Facilitating further procedures at a chosen hospital on priority: We prioritise your further medical procedures to ensure timely and efficient medical care.
- Visa assistance, flight booking, airport pick-up, and drop-off: We assist with visa applications and flight bookings, and provide airport pick-up and drop-off services to ensure a hassle-free travel experience.
- Assistance in the hotel or guest house selection: We help you choose from a selection of top-rated hotels and guest houses to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.
- Local guidebook and language interpreter support: Our local guidebook and language interpreter support services ensure that you have a smooth and enjoyable experience in your destination country.
- Assistance in local SIM cards and foreign exchange: We provide assistance in obtaining a local SIM card and exchanging currency to make your stay stress-free.
- Post-operative follow-ups: We provide postoperative follow-ups to ensure that you are recovering well and receiving the necessary medical care.
At Shinon Healthcare, we are committed to providing the highest quality medical value travel services, and our comprehensive range of services is a testament to our dedication to our clients.
