Cancer Surgery Blog

Medically reviewed guides on cancer surgery, screening and recovery, written by Dr. Varadharajan V, Surgical Oncology at Iswarya Hospital, Chennai. Each cluster starts with a complete guide followed by focused articles.

GI Cancer Surgery

Illustration of digestive organs beside a surgeon in an operating theatre

Complete guide

GI Cancer Surgery: Types, Treatment & Recovery

GI cancer surgery covers operations for esophageal, stomach, colon and rectal cancers. Learn how procedures are planned, the main types and recovery.

Surgeon explaining a digestive tract model to a couple in consultation

GI Cancer Surgery

Esophageal Cancer Surgery: Procedure and Recovery

Esophagectomy removes part of the food pipe and rebuilds it using the stomach. Learn who needs it, how it is done, what recovery involves and how eating.

Surgical oncologist reviewing a stomach CT scan with a patient

GI Cancer Surgery

Stomach Cancer Surgery: Partial vs Total Gastrectomy

Gastrectomy removes part or all of the stomach to treat cancer. Learn how surgeons choose between partial and total gastrectomy, what recovery involves.

Surgical team preparing for a major pancreatic operation in theatre

GI Cancer Surgery

Whipple Procedure for Pancreatic Cancer: What to Know

The Whipple procedure removes the head of the pancreas and nearby organs to treat certain cancers. Learn who needs it, how it is done, the risks.

Doctor pointing to a liver model while explaining resection to a patient

GI Cancer Surgery

Liver Resection for Cancer: Who Is a Candidate?

Liver resection removes part of the liver to treat primary liver cancer or cancer that has spread there. Learn who qualifies, how the liver regrows.

Small South Indian meal of idli, dal and curd on a table

GI Cancer Surgery

Eating After GI Cancer Surgery: A Practical Guide

After GI cancer surgery, eating habits often need to change. Learn how to restart food safely, manage common problems like bloating or dumping.

Breast Cancer & Oncoplastic Surgery

Breast cancer and oncoplastic surgery illustration beside a consulting surgeon

Complete guide

Breast Cancer & Oncoplastic Surgery: What to Know

Breast cancer surgery and oncoplastic techniques explained: lumpectomy, mastectomy, reshaping options, who is a candidate, recovery and questions to ask.

Breast surgeon holding hands with a patient during a consultation

Breast Cancer & Oncoplastic Surgery

Lumpectomy vs Mastectomy: How to Decide

Lumpectomy saves the breast while mastectomy removes it. Learn how tumour size, genetics, radiation and personal preference shape the choice.

Confident woman standing by a window after breast surgery recovery

Breast Cancer & Oncoplastic Surgery

What Is Oncoplastic Breast Surgery?

Oncoplastic surgery combines cancer removal with plastic surgery techniques to preserve breast shape. Learn how it works, who may benefit and what results to.

Patient speaking with a surgeon beside a hospital bed before biopsy

Breast Cancer & Oncoplastic Surgery

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer

Sentinel node biopsy checks whether breast cancer has spread to the armpit by removing only the first few nodes. Learn how it works and why it lowers.

Woman holding a referral slip in a clinic waiting area

Breast Cancer & Oncoplastic Surgery

Breast Lump: When to Worry and Which Tests Help

Most breast lumps are not cancer, but every new lump should be checked. Learn the warning signs, common harmless causes and the tests doctors use to find the.

Patient doing shoulder exercises with a physiotherapist after surgery

Breast Cancer & Oncoplastic Surgery

Recovery After Breast Cancer Surgery and Lymphedema

Recovery after breast cancer surgery involves wound care, drains, arm exercises and watching for lymphedema. Learn what to expect week by week.

Gynecological Oncology

Complete guide

Gynecological Oncology: Cancers, Treatment & Surgery

Gynecological oncology covers cancers of the cervix, uterus, ovaries, vagina and vulva. Learn how surgery, staging and fertility preservation are planned.

Woman holding her lower abdomen while sitting on a sofa at home

Gynecological Oncology

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms Women Often Miss

Ovarian cancer often causes vague symptoms like bloating and early fullness. Learn the warning signs that persist, who is at higher risk and which tests help.

Gynecologic oncologist explaining cervical cancer stages on a scan

Gynecological Oncology

Cervical Cancer Stages and Treatment Options

Cervical cancer treatment depends on stage, from minor surgery for early disease to chemoradiation for advanced cancer. Learn the stages, options.

Doctor discussing abnormal bleeding reports with a patient in clinic

Gynecological Oncology

Endometrial Cancer: Warning Signs and Surgery

Endometrial cancer often shows early through abnormal bleeding, especially after menopause. Learn the warning signs, risk factors, tests and how surgery is.

Surgeon explaining radical hysterectomy on a pelvic anatomy model

Gynecological Oncology

Radical Hysterectomy: What It Involves and Recovery

Radical hysterectomy removes the uterus, cervix, surrounding tissue and upper vagina to treat early cervical cancer. Learn how it differs from simple.

Woman consulting a doctor about postmenopausal bleeding in a clinic

Gynecological Oncology

Postmenopausal Bleeding: When Is It a Warning Sign?

Any vaginal bleeding after menopause needs medical attention. Learn the common causes, why cancer must be ruled out and which tests doctors use to find the.

Head & Neck Cancer Surgery

Head and neck anatomy illustration beside a surgical oncologist in scrubs

Complete guide

Head & Neck Cancer Surgery: Types, Treatment & Recovery

Head and neck cancer surgery covers oral, tongue, throat, laryngeal and thyroid cancers. Learn about neck dissection, reconstruction and recovery.

Doctor examining a patient mouth with a light in a clinic

Head & Neck Cancer Surgery

Mouth Cancer Early Signs You Should Not Ignore

Mouth cancer often starts as a non-healing ulcer or white or red patch. Learn the early signs, high-risk habits and why any mouth sore lasting more than two.

Man throwing away a tobacco packet into a street dustbin

Head & Neck Cancer Surgery

Tobacco, Gutka and Head and Neck Cancer Risk

Tobacco in any form, including gutka, khaini and areca nut, sharply raises head and neck cancer risk. Learn how it damages tissue, warning signs.

Young woman viewing a small healing neck scar after thyroid surgery

Head & Neck Cancer Surgery

Thyroid Cancer Surgery: Types and Recovery

Thyroid cancer is often treated with surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid. Learn about lobectomy vs total thyroidectomy, risks to voice and calcium.

Patient doing shoulder rotation exercises with a physiotherapist

Head & Neck Cancer Surgery

Neck Dissection: Why Lymph Nodes Are Removed

Neck dissection removes lymph nodes in the neck to treat or prevent cancer spread. Learn the types, why it is done, possible effects on shoulder movement.

Therapist guiding a patient through swallowing exercises in rehabilitation

Head & Neck Cancer Surgery

Speech and Swallowing After Head and Neck Surgery

Head and neck cancer surgery can affect speech and swallowing. Learn why changes happen, how speech and swallow therapy helps and what to expect during.

CRS & HIPEC

Surgeon explaining CRS and HIPEC treatment on an abdominal scan display

Complete guide

CRS & HIPEC: Procedure, Benefits, Risks & Recovery

CRS and HIPEC combine cytoreductive surgery with heated chemotherapy inside the abdomen. Learn who qualifies, what the PCI score means and recovery.

Oncologist explaining an abdominal CT scan to a concerned couple

CRS & HIPEC

What Is Peritoneal Metastasis?

Peritoneal metastasis is cancer spread to the lining of the abdomen. Learn which cancers cause it, common symptoms, how it is diagnosed and when CRS.

Cancer specialists discussing scans around a conference table

CRS & HIPEC

Who Is a Candidate for CRS and HIPEC?

CRS and HIPEC can help selected patients with cancer spread to the abdominal lining. Learn the key criteria, which cancers respond best and why careful.

Surgeon sketching an abdominal grid to explain the PCI score

CRS & HIPEC

What Is the PCI Score in Peritoneal Cancer?

The Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) scores how much cancer has spread in the abdomen. Learn how it is calculated, what the numbers mean and how it guides CRS.

Woman listening to a surgeon explain pseudomyxoma peritonei treatment

CRS & HIPEC

Pseudomyxoma Peritonei: Symptoms and Treatment

Pseudomyxoma peritonei is a rare condition where jelly-like mucus fills the abdomen, often from an appendix tumour. Learn the symptoms, diagnosis.

Patient walking in a hospital corridor with a nurse and IV stand

CRS & HIPEC

Recovery After CRS and HIPEC: What to Expect

Recovery after CRS and HIPEC takes time. Learn what to expect in the ICU, on the ward and at home, common side effects and practical tips to regain strength.

Minimally Invasive & Laparoscopic Oncology

Laparoscopic instruments and camera illustration beside an operating team

Complete guide

Minimally Invasive & Laparoscopic Oncology: Benefits, Procedures, Recovery & Suitability

Laparoscopic and robotic cancer surgery use small incisions for selected operations. Learn the benefits, limits, safety and how surgeons choose the approach.

Surgical team performing laparoscopic surgery guided by a monitor

Minimally Invasive & Laparoscopic Oncology

Laparoscopic vs Open Cancer Surgery: Key Differences

Laparoscopic cancer surgery uses small cuts and a camera, while open surgery uses one larger incision. Learn the benefits, limits and how surgeons choose the.

Surgeon operating a robotic surgery console in an operating theatre

Minimally Invasive & Laparoscopic Oncology

Robotic Cancer Surgery: Benefits and Limits

Robotic surgery gives surgeons 3D vision and precise instruments for complex cancer operations. Learn how it works, where it helps most, its limits.

Surgeon answering patient questions beside a laparoscopic instrument model

Minimally Invasive & Laparoscopic Oncology

Is Laparoscopic Surgery Safe for Cancer?

Laparoscopic surgery is safe and effective for many cancers when done by trained surgeons. Learn what research shows, common concerns like tumour spread.

Laparoscopic camera tower and monitor in an operating theatre

Minimally Invasive & Laparoscopic Oncology

Staging Laparoscopy: Why It Is Done in Cancer Care

Staging laparoscopy uses a small camera to look inside the abdomen for hidden cancer spread that scans may miss. Learn why it is done, how it works.

Woman walking in a sunny garden a week after laparoscopic surgery

Minimally Invasive & Laparoscopic Oncology

Recovery After Laparoscopic Cancer Surgery

Recovery after laparoscopic cancer surgery is often faster than open surgery. Learn what to expect in hospital and at home, how to manage pain.

Colorectal Cancer

Colon and rectum illustration beside a surgeon planning colorectal surgery

Complete guide

Colorectal Cancer: Symptoms, Stages, Treatment & Surgery

Colorectal cancer symptoms, staging and surgery explained: colonoscopy, stoma questions, laparoscopic options and what recovery and follow-up involve.

Man speaking privately with a doctor about rectal bleeding

Colorectal Cancer

Blood in Stool: Piles or Colorectal Cancer?

Blood in stool is often due to piles, but it can also be a sign of colorectal cancer. Learn the differences, red flag symptoms and when a colonoscopy is needed.

Nurse explaining colonoscopy preparation to a patient in an endoscopy suite

Colorectal Cancer

Colonoscopy: Preparation and What to Expect

Colonoscopy examines the whole colon and can find and remove polyps. Learn how to prepare, what happens during the test, sedation, recovery.

Man with a stoma chatting confidently with friends at a cafe

Colorectal Cancer

Living With a Colostomy or Ileostomy

A stoma can feel overwhelming at first, but most people adapt well. Learn the difference between colostomy and ileostomy, daily care, diet tips.

Oncologist explaining a pelvic anatomy model to a patient

Colorectal Cancer

Rectal Cancer: Sphincter-Saving Surgery Explained

Sphincter-saving surgery removes rectal cancer while keeping the anal muscles, avoiding a permanent stoma for many patients. Learn who qualifies and what to.

Young office worker pausing at his desk with abdominal discomfort

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults: Signs Not to Ignore

Colorectal cancer is rising in people under 50. Learn the warning signs young adults often dismiss, possible risk factors and why persistent symptoms need.

Advanced Cancer Surgery

Surgical team performing an advanced cancer operation in an operating theatre

Complete guide

Advanced Cancer Surgery: What Patients Should Know

Advanced cancer surgery treats large or complex tumours needing specialised planning. Learn how surgeons decide, what a tumour board does and recovery.

Surgical and medical oncologists reviewing PET-CT scans together

Advanced Cancer Surgery

Can Stage 4 Cancer Be Operated On?

Surgery is sometimes possible in stage 4 cancer, especially with limited spread. Learn when it may help, what oligometastatic disease means.

Woman receiving chemotherapy through an IV line in a day-care unit

Advanced Cancer Surgery

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Why Treatment Comes Before Surgery

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is given before surgery to shrink tumours and treat hidden spread. Learn why it is used, which cancers benefit and how it affects.

Multidisciplinary tumour board reviewing scans around a conference table

Advanced Cancer Surgery

What Is a Tumour Board and How Does It Help You?

A tumour board is a meeting where cancer specialists review your case together to plan the best treatment. Learn who attends, what they discuss.

Senior man resting peacefully in a garden with his grandchild

Advanced Cancer Surgery

Palliative Surgery: Goals and Expectations

Palliative surgery aims to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life in advanced cancer, not to cure it. Learn when it is used, common procedures.

Woman discussing recurrent cancer surgery options with her oncologist

Advanced Cancer Surgery

Recurrent Cancer: Is Surgery an Option?

Surgery may still be possible when cancer comes back, especially if the recurrence is limited. Learn when repeat surgery helps, what tests are needed.

Cancer Screening & Early Detection

Cancer screening illustration with a doctor reviewing test results

Complete guide

Cancer Screening & Early Detection: What You Should Know

Cancer screening finds selected cancers before symptoms appear. Learn which tests exist, who needs earlier checks and what an abnormal result means.