Surgical oncology can be involved in the treatment of many solid tumours, including cancers of the breast, colon and rectum, stomach, liver, pancreas, oesophagus, thyroid and skin. The specific role of surgery varies considerably between cancers and stages. Some tumours can be removed completely with surgery, while others may require chemotherapy or radiation before or after an operation. Surgical oncologists may also perform procedures to diagnose cancer, assess its extent or manage complications related to the disease.

A surgical oncologist assesses whether a tumour can be safely removed while achieving the intended treatment goal. This involves reviewing the cancer's type, size, location and stage, as well as whether it has spread to nearby tissues, lymph nodes or distant organs. Imaging such as CT, MRI or PET scans may help map the disease, while biopsy results establish the cancer type. The tumour's relationship with important blood vessels and organs is also considered. Complex cases may be reviewed by a multidisciplinary cancer team.

Preoperative evaluation helps the surgical team understand the cancer and determine whether surgery can be performed safely. Depending on the cancer, this may include imaging such as CT, MRI or PET scans, biopsy and laboratory tests. Additional assessments may evaluate heart and lung function, nutritional status or other medical conditions that could affect surgery or recovery. The exact tests vary according to the planned procedure and the patient's overall health. Your surgical team will explain which investigations are necessary before the operation.

Minimally invasive surgery, including laparoscopic or robotic techniques, may be considered when the cancer and the planned operation are suitable for these approaches. They use smaller incisions and may offer benefits such as less postoperative discomfort and a shorter recovery in appropriately selected patients. Organ-preserving surgery may also be possible for certain cancers when the tumour can be adequately treated without removing the entire organ. Suitability depends on tumour location, size, stage, anatomy and the need to achieve appropriate cancer control.

Recovery varies according to the type and extent of surgery, the patient's overall health and whether additional treatment is required. Patients may experience pain, fatigue, changes in appetite or temporary changes in normal body functions. The surgical team will provide guidance on wound care, activity, nutrition, medicines and follow-up appointments. Recovery may take days to several weeks or longer for major procedures. Follow-up is important to monitor healing, review pathology results and determine whether further cancer treatment is recommended.

Cancer treatment is often coordinated rather than delivered as isolated treatments. Surgery may remove the primary tumour, while chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be used before surgery to shrink or control the cancer, or after surgery to address cancer cells that may remain and reduce the risk of recurrence. In some situations, systemic therapy or radiation is the primary treatment instead of surgery. A multidisciplinary team considers the cancer type, stage and individual patient factors to determine the sequence and combination of treatments.