Surgical Oncologist in Chennai
Meet Dr Vigneshwar T, a JIPMER-trained cancer surgeon who sees patients at Unittas OMR.
When cancer forms a solid tumour, surgery is often the main treatment. A surgical oncologist is a surgeon who trains for years after general surgery to focus only on cancer. At Unittas Hospital, our surgical oncologist plans your operation with you and explains each step in plain words. He also works with other cancer specialists, so every part of your care fits together.
Meet Dr Vigneshwar T, Surgical Oncologist
Dr Vigneshwar T
Dr Vigneshwar trained in cancer surgery at JIPMER, along with advanced keyhole techniques. He operates on most solid cancers, from breast, bowel and stomach to mouth, ovary and skin.
- Breast cancer surgery
- Colectomy
- Gastrectomy
- Whipple procedure
- Liver resection
- Cytoreductive surgery + HIPEC
- Head and neck surgery
- Sentinel node biopsy
What Does a Surgical Oncologist Do?
- Confirms the diagnosis. Takes a biopsy when a growth needs testing.
- Stages the cancer. Uses scans and reports to see how far it has spread.
- Operates. Removes the tumour and, when needed, the nearby lymph nodes.
- Plans with other experts. Works with medical and radiation oncologists so surgery, drugs and radiation happen in the right order.
- Follows you up. Checks healing and watches for any return of the cancer.
- Eases symptoms. When cure is not possible, surgery can still relieve pain or a blockage.
Cancers Our Surgical Oncologist Treats
Breast cancer
Lumpectomy, mastectomy, sentinel node biopsy and oncoplastic surgery. See breast cancer treatment.
Bowel and stomach cancers
Colectomy, rectal surgery and gastrectomy. See colon cancer, rectal cancer and stomach cancer.
Liver and pancreas cancers
Liver resection and the Whipple procedure. See liver cancer and pancreas cancer.
Mouth, head and neck cancers
Removal of mouth, thyroid and salivary gland cancers, with neck dissection and reconstruction. See oral cancer treatment.
Ovarian and womb cancers
Debulking surgery with HIPEC for selected cases. See ovarian cancer and uterine cancer.
Sarcoma, skin and urinary cancers
Wide excision for sarcoma and melanoma, and surgery for bladder and kidney cancers.
How Cancer Surgery Is Done
| Approach | What it means | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Open surgery | One larger cut gives the surgeon full access. | Large or complex tumours |
| Laparoscopic (keyhole) | Small cuts and a camera. Less pain and a quicker recovery. | Many bowel, stomach and gynaecological cancers |
| Robotic-assisted | Robot arms steady the instruments for fine work, where available. | Selected cases in tight spaces |
| Needle or small-cut biopsy | A small sample is taken to confirm the diagnosis. | Any lump that needs testing |
Your surgeon picks the approach based on the tumour and your general health, not on the technique alone.
When Should You See a Surgical Oncologist?
- A biopsy or scan shows cancer, or a growth that may be cancer.
- You have a lump that is new, growing or not going away.
- Your doctor has advised surgery and you want a specialist opinion first.
- You have already been given a treatment plan and want a second opinion. Our guide on what to ask in a cancer second opinion can help you prepare.
Not every cancer starts with surgery. Some need chemotherapy or radiation first. Read when cancer surgery comes first and when it does not.
Your Path Through Cancer Surgery
First visit
Your history, an examination and a review of your reports.
Tests
Extra scans or a biopsy, only if they are needed.
Team review
Your case is discussed with medical and radiation oncologists.
Surgery
Careful operation and close monitoring while you recover in hospital.
Follow-up
Wound care, activity advice and regular check-ups.
Why See Our Cancer Surgeon at Unittas OMR
- Specialist training. MCh in Surgical Oncology from JIPMER, one of India's leading medical institutes.
- Complex surgery close to home. Whipple, liver resection and HIPEC are done at our OMR branch, so you do not need to travel into the city.
- Keyhole first. Laparoscopic surgery is used whenever it is safe for your cancer.
- One point of contact. If you need chemotherapy or radiation, our team arranges it with partner centres and keeps your records together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a surgical oncologist different from a general surgeon?
A surgical oncologist completes extra years of training in cancer surgery after general surgery. This covers removing tumours safely, lymph node surgery and planning care with other cancer specialists.
Where does Dr Vigneshwar see patients?
He consults and operates at Unittas Multispeciality Hospital, OMR (Kazhipattur, Kelambakkam). Call 044-4012-4012 to book.
Do I need a referral to see a surgical oncologist?
No. You can book directly. Bring any biopsy reports, scans and discharge summaries you have.
Is surgery always the first step in cancer treatment?
Not always. Some cancers are treated with chemotherapy or radiation first to shrink the tumour. This is called neoadjuvant treatment.
Will I need chemotherapy or radiation after surgery?
It depends on the tissue report after surgery. The size of the tumour, the lymph nodes and the cancer type decide this. Your team explains the result with you.
How long does recovery from cancer surgery take?
After keyhole surgery, many people return to light activities in 1 to 3 weeks. Larger operations need longer.
Can all tumours be removed by keyhole surgery?
Many can. Large or complex tumours may still need open surgery to remove them completely and safely.
Is robotic surgery better than laparoscopic surgery?
Robotic tools can help in selected operations. The surgeon's experience with the chosen method matters more than the tool.
Will I have a large scar?
Modern methods keep scars as small as possible. The final look depends on the operation and how your skin heals.
What if the cancer cannot be removed completely?
Surgery may still remove part of the tumour or relieve symptoms such as pain or a blockage. Other treatments then continue to control the cancer.
Can a surgical oncologist also do reconstruction?
Yes, many do, especially after breast or mouth cancer surgery. For larger reconstructions, a plastic surgeon may join the team.
How do I prepare for my first visit?
Write down your questions and bring a family member. Clear answers often ease worry, so ask as much as you need.
Related Cancer Care Pages
Book a Consultation With Our Cancer Surgeon
Bring your reports to Unittas OMR and leave with a clear plan. You can also come for a second opinion on surgery you have been advised.