A cancer diagnosis can bring many questions about what happens next, what treatment options are available, whether surgery is needed, and what to expect during recovery.

The answers below provide general information about cancer diagnosis, staging, treatment, surgery, and follow-up care. Because every cancer and every patient is different, treatment decisions should always be based on an individual medical assessment.

Question 01: What should I do after being diagnosed with cancer?

After a cancer diagnosis, the first step is to understand exactly what type of cancer you have and how advanced it is.

Your medical team may review your pathology report, imaging results, laboratory tests, and other medical records. Additional examinations may be needed to determine the stage of the cancer and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

Once the diagnosis and stage are established, your doctors can discuss the available treatment options and develop an individualized treatment plan.

For complex cases, several specialists may be involved in reviewing the diagnosis and determining the most appropriate treatment strategy.

Question 02: How is the stage of cancer determined, and why does it matter?

Cancer staging describes the extent of cancer in the body. Depending on the type of cancer, doctors may consider factors such as the size and location of the primary tumor, involvement of nearby lymph nodes, and whether the cancer has spread to other organs.

Many solid tumors are staged using the TNM system, which evaluates the primary tumor (T), regional lymph nodes (N), and distant metastasis (M).

Cancer stage is important because it helps doctors understand the extent of the disease and determine which treatment options may be appropriate. Treatment for an early-stage localized cancer can be very different from treatment for cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body.

Question 03: Does every cancer patient need surgery?

No. Surgery is an important treatment for many cancers, particularly solid tumors that are localized and can be safely removed, but it is not appropriate for every patient.

Whether surgery is recommended depends on factors such as:

• The type of cancer

• The location and size of the tumor

• The stage of the cancer

• Whether the cancer has spread

• The patient's overall health

• The expected benefits and risks of surgery

Some patients may receive surgery as their primary treatment, while others may require chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of treatments.

Question 04: When is surgery recommended for cancer treatment?

Cancer surgery may be considered when a tumor can be removed safely and surgery is expected to contribute to the overall treatment goal.

Depending on the individual situation, surgery may be performed to:

• Remove the entire tumor

• Remove part of a tumor when complete removal is not possible or appropriate

• Obtain tissue for diagnosis

• Assess the extent of disease

• Relieve symptoms caused by a tumor

Surgery may be the main treatment for some localized cancers. In other cases, it forms one part of a broader treatment plan involving systemic therapy or radiotherapy.

The decision should be based on the cancer type, stage, tumor location, overall health, and a careful assessment of potential benefits and risks.

Question 05: What is the difference between open and minimally invasive cancer surgery?

In open surgery, the surgeon makes a larger incision to access and remove the tumor and, when necessary, surrounding tissue or nearby lymph nodes.

In minimally invasive surgery, the surgeon generally operates through several smaller incisions using specialized instruments and a camera. Depending on the procedure, minimally invasive approaches may include laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery.

Minimally invasive surgery can offer advantages such as smaller incisions and, for suitable procedures, a shorter recovery period. However, it is not necessarily the appropriate approach for every cancer or every patient.

The surgical approach should be selected according to the type, size and location of the tumor, the extent of disease, the complexity of the operation, and the patient's individual condition.

Question 06: How do doctors decide whether a tumor can be surgically removed?

Tumor size alone does not determine whether cancer can be surgically removed.

Doctors may evaluate the tumor's location, its relationship with nearby organs and major blood vessels, whether lymph nodes are involved, whether the disease has spread to distant organs, and whether the patient is medically fit for surgery.

Imaging examinations and other diagnostic tests can help the surgical team evaluate the extent of disease and plan treatment.

In complex cases, specialists from different disciplines may review the patient's condition together before deciding whether surgery is appropriate and how it should fit into the overall treatment plan.

Question 07: Do I need chemotherapy or radiotherapy before or after cancer surgery?

Not every patient needs additional treatment before or after surgery.

For some cancers, treatment may be given before surgery to reduce the size or extent of the tumor and improve the overall treatment strategy. This is commonly referred to as neoadjuvant therapy.

Treatment given after surgery, known as adjuvant therapy, may be recommended in certain cases to reduce the risk of cancer returning.

Depending on the type and stage of cancer, these treatments may include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, or other approaches.

Your treatment team will determine whether additional therapy is appropriate based on factors such as the cancer type, stage, pathology findings, biomarkers, surgical results, and overall health. Cancer treatment frequently involves a combination of treatment modalities rather than a single approach.

Question 08: What is multidisciplinary cancer care (MDT)?

Cancer treatment can involve several medical specialties. A multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach brings together specialists from relevant disciplines to review a patient's condition and discuss treatment options.

Depending on the individual case, the team may include specialists in:

• Surgical oncology

• Medical oncology

• Radiation oncology

• Radiology

• Pathology

• Other relevant medical and surgical specialties

The purpose of multidisciplinary care is to consider the cancer from different professional perspectives and coordinate diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up as part of an integrated care plan.

Not every patient requires the same combination of specialists, and the composition of the team depends on the type and complexity of the cancer.

Question 09: Should I get a second opinion before cancer treatment or surgery?

A second opinion can be considered after a cancer diagnosis, particularly when you are facing a major treatment decision, considering surgery, or would like to better understand the available treatment options.

During a second opinion, another specialist reviews relevant medical information such as pathology results, imaging studies, laboratory findings, and the proposed treatment plan.

The second specialist may agree with the original diagnosis and treatment plan or may suggest additional considerations or alternative approaches.

Obtaining a second opinion is common in cancer care and can help patients better understand their diagnosis and treatment options before making important decisions.

Question 10: What should I ask my surgeon before cancer surgery?

Before surgery, it is important to understand why the operation is being recommended and what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure.

Questions you may wish to discuss with your surgeon include:

• What is the goal of the surgery?

• What type of operation do I need?

• Is minimally invasive surgery an option for me?

• How much of the tumor and surrounding tissue will be removed?

• Will lymph nodes need to be removed?

• What are the potential risks and complications?

• How long will I need to stay in the hospital?

• How long is the expected recovery?

• Will I need additional cancer treatment after surgery?

• How frequently does the surgeon perform this type of operation?

The answers will vary depending on the cancer, the procedure, and your individual condition. Asking these questions can help you understand your treatment plan and participate in decisions about your care. NCI likewise recommends asking about a surgeon's experience with the specific operation being considered.

Question 11: How long does it take to recover from cancer surgery?

Recovery time varies considerably from one patient to another.

It depends on factors such as:

• The type and extent of surgery

• Whether the procedure is open or minimally invasive

• The type of anesthesia

• The organ or part of the body involved

• The patient's overall health and physical condition

• Whether complications occur

After surgery, patients may receive instructions regarding wound care, pain management, diet, physical activity, medications, and signs of possible complications.

Your surgical team will advise you when it is appropriate to return to normal activities and when follow-up examinations are required. There is no single recovery timeline that applies to every cancer operation.

Question 12: What follow-up care is needed after cancer treatment?

Follow-up remains an important part of cancer care after treatment has been completed.

The follow-up plan depends on the type of cancer, the treatment received, the risk of recurrence, and the patient's overall health. Follow-up appointments may include:

• Review of symptoms and general health

• Physical examinations

• Blood tests

• Imaging examinations or other tests when appropriate

• Management of treatment-related side effects

• Monitoring for possible recurrence

• Long-term health and lifestyle management

Patients should also tell their medical team about new or persistent symptoms that develop after treatment.

The frequency and type of follow-up examinations vary between patients, so an individualized follow-up plan should be discussed with the treating team.

Seeking Cancer Care or a Second Opinion?

If you have recently been diagnosed with cancer, are considering cancer surgery, or would like a second opinion on an existing diagnosis or treatment plan, specialists at Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital can review your medical information and help you understand the next steps in your care.

International patients may contact our team for specialist consultations, multidisciplinary case review, treatment inquiries, and assistance with planning medical care in Foshan.

This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Cancer treatment varies according to the type and stage of cancer, individual health conditions, and other clinical factors. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for recommendations specific to your condition.