Facing cancer surgery? These 8 essential questions help you understand your procedure, risks, recovery, and what to expect — so you can make confident, informed decisions.

Choosing the right surgical oncologist is one of the most important decisions you'll make after a cancer diagnosis. Surgery often serves as the cornerstone of cancer treatment, and the experience, approach, and communication style of your specialist can greatly impact your recovery and long-term health.

At Iswarya Hospital, Chennai, the Iswarya Cancer Centre combines advanced surgical oncology expertise with personalised care. Here are the questions you should ask before moving forward with cancer surgery.

1. What Type of Cancer Surgery Do I Need?

Cancer surgeries differ widely depending on the type and stage of the disease. Ask your oncologist:

What exactly will the surgery involve?

Will it be curative, preventive, or palliative?

How much of the tumour or surrounding tissue needs to be removed?

A clear explanation helps you understand the goal — whether it's complete removal, symptom relief, or reducing recurrence risk.

2. How Experienced Are You with My Type of Cancer?

Specialists who frequently perform surgeries for a specific cancer type tend to have better outcomes. Ask:

How many similar procedures have you performed?

What are your success and complication rates?

3. What Surgical Techniques Will Be Used?

Ask if you're a candidate for:

Minimally invasive surgery – smaller incisions, less pain, faster recovery

Robotic-assisted surgery – precision with advanced imaging and control

Reconstructive surgery – to restore appearance and function post-tumour removal

4. What Are the Possible Risks or Complications?

Questions to consider:

What are the short-term and long-term risks?

How can complications like infection, bleeding, or scarring be minimised?

What post-surgery symptoms should I report immediately?

5. Will I Need Additional Treatments?

In most cancers, surgery is only one part of a larger treatment plan. Ask your oncologist if you'll need chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted/hormonal therapy.

6. What Should I Expect During Recovery?

Ask:

How long will I stay in the hospital?

When can I resume normal activities?

Will I need physical therapy or lifestyle changes?

7. How Will You Monitor Me After Surgery?

Follow-up care is vital for detecting recurrence early:

How often will I need check-ups or scans?

What signs should I look for after surgery?

How will my ongoing care be coordinated with other specialists?

8. Can I Get a Second Opinion?

A professional oncologist will always support your decision to seek another perspective. A second opinion can confirm your diagnosis, review surgical plans, or offer less invasive alternatives.

At Iswarya Cancer Centre, transparency is a core value — our specialists encourage patients to feel fully confident in every step of their treatment journey.

FAQs

How experienced are the surgical oncologists at Iswarya Hospital?

Our surgeons are trained in handling complex and rare cancers using evidence-based techniques and multidisciplinary care planning.

Is it okay to get a second opinion before cancer surgery?

Absolutely. A professional oncologist will always support this decision. It can confirm your diagnosis or reveal less invasive alternatives.

Will I need chemotherapy or radiation after surgery?

Many cancer treatment plans combine surgery with chemotherapy or radiation. Your oncologist will design a coordinated plan based on your specific cancer type and stage.

What support is available during recovery?

Iswarya Hospital provides postoperative rehabilitation, psychological support, nutritional guidance, and structured follow-up care as part of the recovery plan.

Questions to Ask Your Surgical Oncologist