A cancer diagnosis, or even the possibility of one, raises many questions. This page is intended to help you understand cancer, how it’s evaluated, and how treatment decisions are generally made — so that when you do speak with a specialist, you have a clearer starting point.
Surgical Oncologist
Cancer is not a single disease — it refers to a group of conditions in which cells grow and divide abnormally, and it can arise in almost any part of the body. Because cancers differ so widely in where they start, how they grow, and how they respond to treatment, no two diagnoses are approached in exactly the same way. The specific type of cancer, its location, and its stage all shape what treatment may be appropriate.
Paying attention to persistent or unexplained changes in your health is an important part of early awareness. Persistent or unexplained symptoms should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional rather than assumed to be, or dismissed as, something minor. It's worth noting that most symptoms have causes other than cancer — the purpose of evaluation is to find out what's actually happening, not to assume the worst.
When cancer is suspected, evaluation generally involves a clinical assessment, relevant blood or laboratory investigations, and imaging where appropriate. If a suspicious growth or lesion is found, a biopsy is often required to confirm the diagnosis and identify the type of cancer. Staging — determining how far a cancer has spread — then helps guide treatment planning. The exact tests required vary depending on the suspected cancer and individual case, and are decided by the treating medical team.
Cancer treatment can involve one or more approaches, depending on the individual case. These may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or other systemic treatments, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Many patients are cared for by a multidisciplinary team — surgical, medical and radiation oncologists working together — so that the sequence and combination of treatments is planned around their specific diagnosis.
A surgical oncologist focuses specifically on treating cancer through surgery. Surgery may be used to remove a tumour, to obtain a biopsy for diagnosis, or as part of a broader treatment plan alongside other therapies. Whether surgery is appropriate, and what form it takes, depends on a specialist assessment of the cancer type, stage and the patient’s overall health.
Two people with a similar broad diagnosis — for example, the same type of cancer — may still have quite different treatment plans.
This is because treatment decisions depend on multiple factors: the exact stage and location of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, any previous treatment, and the specific goals of care.
This is why general information, including this page, is a starting point for understanding — not a substitute for individual medical assessment.
Robotic-assisted surgery is one of the minimally invasive surgical approaches that may be considered for selected cancer procedures. Its suitability depends on the cancer type, location, stage, and a detailed clinical evaluation — it is not appropriate for every patient or every cancer.
Dr. Nishanth Sanghavi is a surgical oncologist based in Ahmedabad, trained at the Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute (GCRI), with a fellowship in advanced laparoscopic oncosurgery from Galaxy Care Institute, Pune. He is the founder and consultant surgical oncologist at Zanish Cancer Hospital, Naranpura, Ahmedabad.
A surgical oncologist treats cancer through surgery, often working alongside other cancer specialists to plan appropriate care.
After a suspected or confirmed cancer diagnosis, or when imaging or biopsy results suggest surgery may be part of treatment.
No. Some cancers are treated primarily with other approaches, such as chemotherapy or radiation, depending on the type and stage.
Staging describes how far a cancer has spread, and it plays a significant role in determining which treatments are appropriate.
No. Suitability depends on the specific cancer and a detailed individual assessment.
If you or a family member are trying to understand a diagnosis or treatment options, a consultation with a surgical oncologist can help clarify what’s relevant to your specific situation.
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