Cancer Surgery (Tumor Removal) in Vietnam

Cancer surgery, also known as tumor removal surgery, is one of the most important and effective treatment methods for many types of cancer. In Vietnam, cancer surgery has advanced rapidly over the past decade, with modern operating theaters, internationally trained surgeons, and significantly lower costs compared to Western countries. Today, cancer surgery in Vietnam is increasingly chosen by international patients seeking safe, high-quality, and affordable oncologic care.

This in-depth guide provides everything you need to know about Cancer Surgery (Tumor Removal) in Vietnam, including how it works, when it is recommended, types of surgical procedures, costs, leading hospitals, safety standards, and what to expect as an international patient.

What Is Cancer Surgery (Tumor Removal)?

Cancer surgery is a treatment in which surgeons remove cancerous tumors and surrounding tissues from the body. The primary goal is to eliminate as much cancer as possible, ideally removing all malignant cells when the cancer is localized.

Tumor removal surgery may be used:

• As a curative treatment for early-stage cancers

• To reduce tumor size before chemotherapy or radiotherapy

• To prevent cancer spread

• To relieve symptoms such as pain, bleeding, or organ obstruction

Surgery is often combined with other treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy for optimal outcomes.

Why Choose Cancer Surgery in Vietnam?

Vietnam has become a growing destination for cancer surgery due to its combination of medical expertise, modern facilities, and cost advantages.

Key Advantages

• Highly skilled surgeons trained in Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, Europe, and the US

• Modern operating rooms with advanced surgical equipment

• Access to minimally invasive and robotic surgery in major hospitals

• Lower surgical costs compared to Western countries

• Short waiting times

• Dedicated international patient services

These factors make Vietnam an appealing option for patients requiring timely and complex tumor removal procedures.

When Is Tumor Removal Surgery Recommended?

Cancer surgery is recommended when:

• The tumor is localized or operable

• Complete or near-complete tumor removal is possible

• The patient’s overall health allows for surgery

• Surgery can improve survival or quality of life

Common indications include early to mid-stage solid tumors, while advanced cancers may still benefit from surgery for symptom relief or tumor debulking.

Types of Cancer Surgery Available in Vietnam

Vietnamese hospitals offer a wide range of oncologic surgical procedures following international guidelines.

1. Curative Surgery

Performed with the intention of completely removing cancer, commonly used in early-stage cancers such as breast, colon, thyroid, and cervical cancer.

2. Debulking Surgery

Removes as much of the tumor as possible when complete removal is not feasible, often followed by chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

3. Minimally Invasive Surgery

Includes laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery, offering:

• Smaller incisions

• Less pain

• Faster recovery

• Reduced hospital stay

4. Robotic-Assisted Surgery

Available in selected major hospitals, robotic surgery allows enhanced precision, especially for prostate, colorectal, and gynecologic cancers.

5. Palliative Surgery

Aims to relieve symptoms rather than cure, such as removing tumors that cause bleeding, obstruction, or pain.

Cancers Commonly Treated With Surgery in Vietnam

Cancer surgery in Vietnam is commonly performed for:

• Breast cancer

• Colorectal cancer

• Lung cancer

• Liver cancer

• Stomach cancer

• Thyroid cancer

• Cervical and ovarian cancer

• Prostate cancer

• Head and neck cancers

• Brain tumors

Each surgical plan is tailored based on cancer type, stage, imaging results, and patient condition.

Cancer Surgery Process in Vietnam: Step by Step

1. Preoperative Evaluation

Patients undergo comprehensive assessments including:

• Imaging (CT, MRI, PET-CT)

• Blood tests

• Biopsy and pathology confirmation

• Cardiac and anesthesia evaluation

2. Surgical Planning

A multidisciplinary team (surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, anesthesiologists) designs a personalized surgical strategy.

3. Tumor Removal Surgery

Surgery is performed in sterile, modern operating theaters under general or regional anesthesia. Duration varies from 1 to 8 hours, depending on complexity.

4. Postoperative Care

Patients are monitored in recovery units or ICU (if required), with pain management, infection prevention, and early mobilization.

5. Follow-Up and Additional Treatment

Pathology results determine whether further treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy is needed.

Cost of Cancer Surgery in Vietnam

One of the main reasons international patients choose Vietnam is cost efficiency.

Average Cost of Tumor Removal Surgery (USD)

• Minor tumor surgery: USD 1,500 – 3,000

• Breast cancer surgery: USD 2,500 – 5,000

• Colorectal cancer surgery: USD 4,000 – 8,000

• Liver cancer surgery: USD 5,000 – 12,000

• Robotic-assisted cancer surgery: USD 7,000 – 15,000

Cost Factors

• Type and stage of cancer

• Surgical method (open vs minimally invasive vs robotic)

• Hospital type (public vs private)

• Length of hospital stay

• Postoperative care and medications

Compared to costs of USD 20,000 – 60,000+ in Western countries, Vietnam offers substantial savings.

Safety Standards and Surgical Quality

Vietnamese hospitals adhere to strict safety protocols:

• International surgical guidelines

• Modern anesthesia and monitoring systems

• Sterile operating environments

• Infection control programs

• Experienced anesthesia teams

Many leading hospitals operate under JCI-aligned or ISO-certified standards, ensuring patient safety and quality outcomes.

A Vietnamese doctor providing personalized consultation for European patients at an international-standard clinic in Vietnam

Public vs Private Hospitals for Cancer Surgery

Public Hospitals

• Highly experienced surgeons

• Lower costs

• High patient volume

• Longer waiting times

Private & International Hospitals

• English-speaking medical teams

• Personalized care

• Shorter waiting times

• Modern facilities and private rooms

International patients often prefer private hospitals for comfort, communication, and smoother coordination.

Recovery and Rehabilitation After Cancer Surgery

Recovery depends on surgery type and patient health.

Typical Hospital Stay

• Minor surgery: 2–4 days

• Major surgery: 5–14 days

Recovery Support in Vietnam

• Pain management programs

• Physiotherapy and early mobilization

• Nutritional counseling

• Wound care and follow-up visits

Vietnam’s affordable living costs allow patients to remain nearby during recovery without excessive expenses.

International Patient Support in Vietnam

Hospitals and medical tourism facilitators provide:

• Medical record review before arrival

• Visa assistance

• Airport pickup and transfers

• Translation services (English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese)

• Accommodation coordination

• Post-surgery follow-up planning

Who Is a Good Candidate for Cancer Surgery in Vietnam?

Cancer surgery in Vietnam is suitable for:

• Patients with operable solid tumors

• Early and mid-stage cancer cases

• Patients seeking cost-effective surgery

• Patients requiring short waiting times

• International patients medically cleared for surgery

Remote consultations are often available before travel to assess eligibility.

Future of Cancer Surgery in Vietnam

Vietnam continues to invest in:

• Advanced surgical technologies

• Robotic surgery expansion

• Enhanced oncology training

• Multidisciplinary cancer centers

• Integration with precision medicine

These developments are strengthening Vietnam’s role as a regional hub for cancer surgery.

Conclusion

Cancer Surgery (Tumor Removal) in Vietnam offers a strong combination of skilled surgeons, modern hospitals, international safety standards, and significantly lower costs. For many international patients, Vietnam provides a practical and reliable option for effective cancer surgery with personalized care and comprehensive support.

As Vietnam’s healthcare system continues to advance, its position in global cancer treatment and medical tourism is set to grow even further.