F&Q

A biopsy determines your exact cancer type by analyzing cells under a microscope, while imaging tests (CT, MRI, PET-CT) reveal how far the disease has spread. Cancers are staged from 0 to IV using the international TNM system:
Tumor size and depth
Node involvement (lymph-node spread)
Metastasis (distant spread)
Early-stage cancers are often curable with surgery alone; advanced stages usually need multimodality care. Your written pathology and imaging reports are reviewed with you during consultation.
How is cancer diagnosed and staged?
Diagnosis begins with a physical exam, blood work and high-resolution imaging. A core-needle or excisional biopsy confirms malignancy. Staging combines:
Cross-sectional imaging (CT/MRI)
Functional imaging (PET-CT)
Endoscopic or ultrasound-guided biopsies for lymph nodes
Accurate staging directs the treatment plan, clarifies prognosis and determines whether surgery, chemotherapy, radiation—or a combination—is best.
What additional tests will I need before treatment?
Depending on cancer type you may need:
Molecular or genomic profiling to identify targetable mutations
Cardiac and pulmonary clearance to ensure you’re fit for anesthesia
Baseline labs (CBC, CMP, tumor markers)
Hormone-receptor or HER2 status for breast cancer
Results allow truly personalized, evidence-based therapy.
Surgical Treatment Options
Will I need surgery for my cancer?
Most solid tumors benefit from surgery when the disease is localized. Some leukemias, lymphomas and metastatic cancers respond better to systemic therapy first. Your case is discussed at our multidisciplinary tumor board so we recommend the safest, most effective pathway for you.
What are my surgical treatment options?
Curative (radical) surgery – complete tumor removal with clear margins
Debulking (cytoreductive) surgery – reduces tumor load before chemo/-radiation
Palliative surgery – relieves pain, obstruction or bleeding
Preventive (prophylactic) surgery – removes precancerous tissue (e.g., prophylactic mastectomy)
Approaches include open, laparoscopic, or robotic techniques depending on tumor location and size.
What is the goal of my surgery?
Goals may be cure, life-extension, symptom relief, or reconstruction. We explain the expected outcome, potential need for additional therapy, and the success metrics (tumor-free margins, lymph-node clearance, organ preservation).
What are the risks and benefits of cancer surgery?
Benefits: potential cure, symptom control, accurate staging. Risks vary by procedure but can include bleeding, infection, anesthesia events, blood clots, or damage to nearby organs. Individual risk profiles are reviewed in detail and you receive written consent information.
Surgery Preparation & Process
How should I prepare for cancer surgery?
Stop blood-thinning medications as directed, follow pre-op fasting rules, complete pre-admission labs, arrange a ride home, and prepare your living space (easy-to-reach necessities, clear walkways). If you smoke, quitting at least 2 weeks beforehand lowers complication risk.
When will I need to start treatment?
Timing depends on cancer aggressiveness and your health status. Some operations follow diagnosis within days; others wait until after neoadjuvant therapy shrinks the tumor. You receive a personalized timeline so you can plan work and family commitments.
How long will my surgery take?
Simple excisions may last 1–2 hours; complex multi-organ resections can take 6 hours or longer. Your surgeon provides an estimated range during the consent visit and updates your family mid-procedure.
Will I need to stay in the hospital?
Many minimally invasive procedures are same-day. Larger operations require 2–7 days of monitoring. Intensive-care stays are rare but possible after very complex surgeries. Discharge criteria include stable vital signs, good pain control, and independent ambulation.
Recovery & Post-Surgery Care
What can I expect during recovery from cancer surgery?
Typical milestones:
Day 1 – sitting up, deep-breathing exercises
Day 2-3 – walking the hallway, advancing diet
Week 1-2 – staple removal, light household tasks
Week 4-6 – gradual return to work/exercise (varies by surgery)
You receive printed instructions for wound care, diet, and activity limits.
How will my pain be managed?
We use a multimodal approach—regional nerve blocks, oral non-opioid meds, short-course opioids if necessary, and complementary methods (ice, relaxation). Clear tapering plans prevent dependence.
When can I return to normal activities?
Driving is usually safe once you are off narcotics and can turn your head comfortably (7-14 days). Heavy lifting and high-impact exercise often wait 4-8 weeks. Your surgeon tailors guidance to procedure and healing progress.
What are the signs of complications I should watch for?
Call immediately for: fever > 100.4 °F, worsening pain, redness or pus at incision, shortness of breath, leg swelling, chest pain, or new bleeding. Early contact prevents serious issues.
Treatment Planning & Coordination
Will I need additional treatments after surgery?
Pathology may recommend adjuvant chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy or targeted therapy to destroy microscopic disease. Our medical and radiation oncologists coordinate seamlessly with your surgical team.
How will we know if the surgery was successful?
Success is assessed by pathology (clear margins, node status), post-operative imaging, and tumor markers. These results are explained at your first follow-up visit and summarized in your patient portal.
What is my prognosis after surgery?
Prognosis reflects tumor biology, stage, surgical margins, response to adjuvant therapy, and overall health. Five-year survival statistics provide context, but personalized outlooks consider your unique factors.
Should I get a second opinion?
Second opinions are encouraged for complex or life-altering procedures. We promptly share your records and welcome collaboration—it often reinforces confidence and may reveal additional options or clinical trials.
Specialized Surgical Procedures
What is minimally invasive cancer surgery?
Laparoscopic or thoracoscopic “keyhole” surgery uses small incisions, a camera, and specialized instruments to remove tumors with less trauma. Benefits: shorter hospital stay, reduced pain, smaller scars, faster return to work.
Do you offer robotic surgery for cancer treatment?
Yes. Robotic systems enhance 3-D vision and instrument dexterity, allowing precise tumor excision in confined spaces such as the pelvis or mediastinum. Not every tumor qualifies—your imaging determines suitability.
What is sentinel lymph-node biopsy?
A tracer pinpoints the first lymph node likely to harbor metastasis. Removing only that node accurately stages the cancer while lowering risk of lymphedema compared with full node dissection.
When is reconstructive surgery needed?
If cancer removal affects appearance or function (e.g., breast, head-and-neck, limb‐sparing bone sarcoma), reconstructive surgeons restore form and mobility, sometimes during the same operation (immediate reconstruction) or later (delayed).
Follow-up Care & Monitoring
How often will I need follow-up appointments?
Most patients are seen every 3–4 months for the first 2 years, then twice yearly until year 5, and annually thereafter. Visits include a physical exam, labs and targeted imaging based on your cancer type.
What is my risk of cancer recurrence?
Risk depends on stage, tumor biology and response to therapy. Your individualized surveillance plan aims to detect recurrence early, when additional treatments are most effective.
What long-term side effects should I expect?
Possible effects include altered organ function (e.g., bowel habits after colorectal surgery), scar tissue, lymph-swelling, fatigue, or nerve changes. A survivorship team—including nutrition, rehab and psychosocial experts—helps manage these issues.
When should I contact my surgical team?
Any new or worsening symptoms, unexpected weight loss, persistent fatigue, or emotional distress warrant a call. 24/7 contact numbers are printed on your discharge paperwork and inside your patient portal.
Support Services & Resources
What support services are available during treatment?
Our center offers: social workers, oncology nutritionists, chaplains, licensed counselors, financial advisors, physical therapists, fertility counseling, and disease-specific support groups—onsite and virtual.
How will treatment affect my daily life?
Temporary changes may include time off work, dietary adjustments, reduced energy, and added medical appointments. Planning childcare, transportation and household help beforehand smooths the transition.
Are clinical trials available for my condition?
Yes. Trials may provide access to cutting-edge drugs, novel surgical techniques, or immunotherapies. Eligibility is based on tumor type, stage and previous treatments. All protocols are reviewed for safety and ethical standards.
How can my family be involved in my care?
Family members are encouraged to attend visits, take notes, learn wound-care techniques, and participate in decision-making. Our caregiver training sessions and online resources empower loved ones to support you effectively..