Author: Dr. Lalit Banswal

Dr. Lalit Banswal is an experienced cancer surgeon and the best surgical oncologist in Pune with surgical experience of more than 12 years. Presently he is working as the Chief Cancer Surgeon and Director at PrecisionPlus Superspeciality Hospital Undri Pune. He is a panel consultant Surgical oncologist at almost all the Major corporate hospitals like Ruby Hall Clinic, Sahyadri, Noble, Jupiter, Chellaram, Inamdar, etc.

What You Should Do If You Are Diagnosed with Cancer

If you have been diagnosed with cancer stay calm. It can be a very overwhelming and scary experience. However, there are several steps you can take to ensure that you are getting the best care possible and taking care of your overall health and well-being. Here are some things you should do if you have been diagnosed with cancer:

  • Find a reputable cancer specialist: Look for a doctor who specializes in the type of cancer you have been diagnosed with. Lalit Baswal is the best cancer surgeon and can provide expert care for patients with cancer. It is important to choose a doctor who you feel comfortable with and who can answer all of your questions.
  • Educate yourself about your diagnosis: Learn as much as you can about your cancer, including the stage, treatment options, and potential side effects. This can help you make informed decisions about your care and feel more in control of the situation.
  • Develop a support system: Cancer can be emotionally and physically draining, so it is important to have a strong support system. This can include family, friends, and support groups. You may also want to consider speaking with a counselor or therapist to help you cope with the emotional toll of cancer.
  • Take care of your physical health: Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep can help keep your body strong and better able to fight cancer. It is also important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for any treatments or medications prescribed.
  • Stay positive and hopeful: While a cancer diagnosis can be scary, it is important to stay positive and hopeful. There are many treatment options available and advances in cancer research are happening every day. Focus on the things in your life that bring you joy and make sure to take care of your mental health as well as your physical health.\
  • Make regular appointments with your doctor: It is important to stay on top of your cancer treatment and follow-up appointments with your doctor. Regular check-ins can help ensure that your treatment is working and catch any potential issues early on.

In summary, a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but there are steps you can take to ensure you are getting the best care possible and taking care of your overall health and well-being. Find a reputable cancer specialist, educate yourself about your diagnosis, develop a support system, take care of your physical health, stay positive and hopeful, and make regular appointments with your doctor. With the right care and support, cancer can be treated and managed, and you can continue to live a fulfilling life.

If you are or your loved one experiencing any symptoms or you want to learn more about cancer, Dr. Lalit Banswal is here to help you. He is the best Cancer surgeon in Pune.

The Importance Of Follow-Up Care After Cancer Surgery

Follow-up care after cancer surgery is critical to ensuring that patients have the best possible outcomes. In this blog post, we will discuss why follow-up care is so important and what it entails.

  • Monitoring for Cancer Recurrence The primary reason for follow-up care after cancer surgery is to monitor the patient for cancer recurrence. Even if all visible signs of cancer have been removed during surgery, there is always a risk that cancer cells may have spread elsewhere in the body. Regular checkups, including imaging studies and blood tests, can help detect cancer recurrence early and increase the chances of successful treatment.
  • Managing Side Effects Cancer surgery can cause a variety of side effects, including pain, fatigue, and changes in bowel or bladder function. Follow-up care can help manage these side effects, improve quality of life, and prevent complications. For example, a surgeon may prescribe medication to manage pain or refer the patient to a physical therapist to help them regain strength and mobility after surgery.
  • Providing Emotional Support Cancer surgery can be an emotionally challenging experience, and follow-up care can provide much-needed emotional support to patients. This can include counseling, support groups, and resources for coping with the emotional impact of cancer. Emotional support can help patients better manage the stress and anxiety that often accompany a cancer diagnosis and improve overall well-being.
  • Adjusting Treatment Plans In some cases, follow-up care may involve adjusting the patient’s treatment plan. For example, if a patient experiences cancer recurrence, the surgeon may recommend additional surgery or radiation therapy. Alternatively, if the patient’s cancer does not recur, the surgeon may recommend less frequent follow-up appointments or discharge the patient from follow-up care altogether.
  • Promoting Healthy Habits Follow-up care can also help promote healthy habits that can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence or the development of new cancers. For example, a surgeon may recommend changes to the patient’s diet and exercise routine, or provide resources for quitting smoking or reducing alcohol consumption. Healthy habits can not only reduce the risk of cancer recurrence but also improve overall health and well-being.

In conclusion, follow-up care after cancer surgery is essential for the best possible outcomes for patients. It provides ongoing monitoring for cancer recurrence, manages side effects, provides emotional support, adjusts treatment plans as needed, and promotes healthy habits. As a cancer surgeon, it is important to emphasize the importance of follow-up care to your patients and encourage them to participate in ongoing care.

Preparing for cancer surgery- What Should I Do?

If you are scheduled for cancer surgery, it’s natural to feel anxious and uncertain about what to expect. However, there are several steps you can take to prepare yourself for the procedure and optimize your recovery. In this blog, I will provide some tips on what you can do to prepare for cancer surgery.

  • Follow your doctor’s instructions: Your cancer surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for the surgery. This may include dietary restrictions, medication adjustments, and preoperative testing. Be sure to follow these instructions closely, as they are designed to help ensure a successful surgery and recovery.
  • Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor questions about the surgery, the anesthesia, and the recovery process. The more you understand about the procedure, the more confident and empowered you will feel.
  • Stop smoking: If you are a smoker, it’s essential to stop smoking at least two weeks before your surgery. Smoking can increase your risk of complications during and after the surgery, such as poor wound healing, infection, and blood clots.
  • Optimize your nutrition: Eating a healthy and balanced diet leading up to the surgery can help prepare your body for the stress of the procedure and improve your recovery. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Avoid alcohol and limit your intake of processed and high-fat foods.
  • Stay active: Regular exercise can help improve your physical strength and stamina leading up to the surgery. However, be sure to consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise program, and avoid high-intensity activities that may put you at risk of injury.
  • Prepare your home: Before the surgery, it’s a good idea to prepare your home for your recovery. This may include arranging for someone to help you with daily tasks, such as cooking and cleaning, and making any necessary modifications to your living space, such as installing handrails or a shower chair.
  • Practice relaxation techniques: Managing your stress and anxiety leading up to the surgery can help improve your overall health and well-being. Consider practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga.

In conclusion, preparing for cancer surgery can be a challenging and stressful experience. However, by following these tips, you can help optimize your health and well-being before and after the procedure. Remember, the most important thing is to work closely with your cancer surgeon and healthcare team to ensure you receive the best possible care and support throughout your journey.

6 Most Common types of cancer surgeries

As a cancer surgeon in Pune, I have treated patients with a wide range of cancer types, and have performed numerous cancer surgeries over the years. In this blog, I will discuss the common types of cancer surgeries that I perform, and provide an overview of what patients can expect during and after the surgery.

  • Breast cancer surgery: Breast cancer surgery is a common treatment option for women with breast cancer. The two main types of breast cancer surgery are lumpectomy and mastectomy. Lumpectomy involves removing the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue, while mastectomy involves removing the entire breast. Depending on the stage and type of breast cancer, the surgeon may also remove some of the lymph nodes under the arm.
  • Colorectal cancer surgery: Colorectal cancer surgery is often used to remove tumors in the colon or rectum. The most common types of colorectal cancer surgery are colectomy and proctectomy. Colectomy involves removing part or all of the colon, while proctectomy involves removing the rectum. In some cases, a colostomy or ileostomy may be necessary to divert waste from the body.
  • Lung cancer surgery: Lung cancer surgery is used to remove tumors in the lung. The two main types of lung cancer surgery are lobectomy and pneumonectomy. Lobectomy involves removing the affected lobe of the lung, while pneumonectomy involves removing the entire lung. Depending on the location of the tumor, the surgeon may perform a thoracotomy (a surgical incision in the chest) or a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) to access the lung.
  • Prostate cancer surgery: Prostate cancer surgery is used to remove the prostate gland in men with prostate cancer. The most common type of prostate cancer surgery is a radical prostatectomy, which involves removing the entire prostate gland, nearby lymph nodes, and seminal vesicles. The surgeon may perform the surgery through a traditional incision or a robotic-assisted laparoscopic procedure.
  • Gynecological cancer surgery: Gynecological cancer surgery is used to remove tumors in the reproductive organs of women. The most common types of gynecological cancer surgery are hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) and oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries). Depending on the stage and type of cancer, the surgeon may also remove the cervix, fallopian tubes, and nearby lymph nodes.
  • Head and neck cancer surgery: Head and neck cancer surgery is used to remove tumors in the head and neck region. The most common types of head and neck cancer surgery are excisional biopsy and neck dissection. Excisional biopsy involves removing the entire tumor, while neck dissection involves removing the lymph nodes in the neck. Depending on the location and extent of the tumor, the surgeon may also remove part of the jaw, tongue, or throat.

In conclusion, cancer surgery is a complex and challenging field, and the type of surgery required will depend on the location and extent of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health and treatment goals. If you or a loved one is facing a cancer diagnosis, it is important to work closely with an experienced cancer surgeon who can provide individualized care and support throughout the treatment process.

The latest advances in cancer surgery

Cancer surgery is a constantly evolving field, with new techniques and technologies being developed all the time to improve patient outcomes. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the latest advances in cancer surgery.

  • Robotic Surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses a robot to assist the surgeon in performing the operation. It is especially useful in the case of cancer surgery because it allows for greater precision and accuracy, minimizing damage to healthy tissue. It is also less invasive than traditional open surgery, leading to faster recovery times for patients.
  • Targeted Therapy Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to target specific genes or proteins that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. This approach is often used in combination with surgery to help prevent cancer from coming back. Targeted therapy can be especially effective in cases where surgery is not an option.
  • Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps the patient’s own immune system fight cancer cells. It is often used in combination with surgery to help prevent cancer from coming back. In some cases, immunotherapy can even eliminate cancer cells altogether. It is especially useful for certain types of cancer, such as melanoma.
  • Intraoperative Imaging Intraoperative imaging is a technique that allows the surgeon to see inside the patient’s body during surgery. This can be especially useful in cancer surgery because it allows the surgeon to better identify the extent of cancer and make sure that all of the cancer cells have been removed. Intraoperative imaging can be done using various technologies, including ultrasound and MRI.
  • Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) ERAS is a program designed to help patients recover more quickly after surgery. It involves a series of steps that help to reduce pain, inflammation, and complications after surgery. ERAS programs can include things like preoperative education, nutritional support, and early mobilization. By helping patients recover more quickly, ERAS can help reduce the risk of complications and improve patient outcomes.
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery Minimally invasive surgery is a type of surgery that uses small incisions and specialized instruments to perform the procedure. This approach is often used in cancer surgery because it minimizes damage to healthy tissue and reduces the risk of complications. Minimally invasive surgery can be done using various techniques, including laparoscopy and endoscopy.

These are just a few of the latest advances in cancer surgery. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative approaches to treating cancer in the future. As a cancer surgeon, it is important to stay up-to-date with these developments to provide the best possible care for your patients.