The indication
Clarify the problem the procedure addresses and the benefit sought in your circumstances.
Ask your professionalWhat are we aiming to achieve for me?
Published catalogue
Understand medical procedures
Move from a major medical family to a specialty, then to the clinical branch that helps you understand each intervention in context.
Medical procedures
Explore progressively by family, specialty and clinical branch — or use search and the alphabet for direct access.
Starting point · Oncology
Matching procedures
21 procedures
Dermatology · Skin cancer surgery and reconstructionMohs micrographic surgeryMohs surgery removes a skin cancer in stages and examines the complete surgical margin microscopically during the procedure before reconstruction is planned. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Dermatology · Skin cancer surgery and reconstructionWide local excision for melanomaWide local excision removes the melanoma scar or site with a planned surrounding margin; sentinel-node surgery, when discussed, is a separate staging procedure. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.ENT · Neck, thyroid and head-and-neck oncologyHead and neck cancer surgeryHead and neck cancer surgery may combine tumour resection, neck-node surgery and reconstruction; pathology, speech, swallowing, airway and adjuvant treatment belong to one multidisciplinary pathway. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Gynecology · Gynaecological oncologyOvarian cancer debulking surgeryOvarian cancer debulking removes visible disease and may combine hysterectomy, adnexal surgery, omentectomy and bowel or upper-abdominal procedures within specialist oncology care. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Maxillofacial Surgery · Oncology, reconstruction and craniofacialOral cancer resectionOral or jaw cancer resection removes tumour with a planned margin and may affect speech, swallowing, appearance, teeth and the need for reconstruction. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.OncologyBiopsy and pathologyA sample helps identify the disease and guide further testing. Needle sampling, endoscopy and surgery suit different circumstances. Ask about site-specific risks, anticoagulant management and the results appointment. A sample may be insufficient and need repeating. NCIOncologyMolecular profiling and biomarkersTests may identify a therapeutic target or provide prognostic information. Not every test helps every cancer. A tumour result suggesting inherited susceptibility may lead to a separate cancer genetics consultation. Access to a medicine or trial is not automatic. NCIOncologyCancer surgeryAn operation may remove a tumour, establish its extent or relieve a complication. Its scope and possible reconstruction depend on the organ. Discuss margins, function, stomas, lymph nodes and procedure-specific recovery. Surgery may take place before or after medicines or radiotherapy. NCIOncologySentinel node biopsy and lymph node dissectionFor selected indications, examining a first draining lymph node or removing several nodes helps assess or treat disease. These procedures are not routine for every cancer. Lymphoedema risk, sensory changes and rehabilitation measures depend on the region treated. NCIOncologyImplanted port or central venous catheterA venous access device facilitates some treatments and blood sampling. An implanted port and a PICC require different care. The team explains dressings, showering, maintenance and whom to contact for fever, redness, pain or arm swelling. Only trained personnel perform the intended access procedures. NCIOncologyCytotoxic chemotherapyThis acts on cell division and may be given through an infusion, tablets or other routes. Effects and monitoring vary by medicine, including low blood cell counts, nausea, mucosal damage or neuropathy. Oral treatment needs equal care; do not double a missed dose without instructions. NCIOncologyTargeted therapiesThese target mechanisms involved in cancer growth. Eligibility may depend on a biomarker. Skin, digestive, cardiovascular or other toxicities vary by drug. Check interactions, administration instructions and monitoring tests; “targeted” does not mean risk-free. NCIOncologyHormone therapyThis blocks the production or action of certain hormones in hormone-sensitive cancers, including some breast and prostate cancers. Possible effects involve hot flushes, sexuality, bones and metabolism, depending on treatment. Follow-up and duration are individualised; do not stop independently because of a side effect. NCIOncologyImmune checkpoint inhibitorsThese help the immune system act against selected cancers. Inflammation may affect several organs during or after treatment. Significant diarrhoea, breathlessness, jaundice, confusion or unusual fatigue should be reported promptly. Do not start corticosteroids independently. NCI, immune toxicitiesOncologyExternal beam radiotherapyRadiation is directed at a defined area after preparation and planning. Effects depend on the treated volume and may involve skin, fatigue, mucous membranes or nearby organs. External beam sessions alone do not make a person radioactive. Follow the department's skin-product and local-care instructions. NCIOncologyBrachytherapy and systemic radioactive treatmentsBrachytherapy places a source close to the target; a radiopharmaceutical may enter the circulation for certain indications. These approaches differ from external beam radiotherapy. Temporary radiation-protection instructions may concern contact with others, pregnancy or waste; the department supplies product-specific rules. NCIOncologyHaematopoietic stem cell transplantationUsed for selected diseases, particularly blood disorders, this may use the patient's own cells or a donor's cells. The pathway includes preparation, transplantation and prolonged specialist monitoring. Infections and, with donor cells, graft-versus-host disease require dedicated instructions. NCIOncologyCAR-T and other cellular therapiesThese use immune cells for selected indications in specialist centres. The pathway may involve collection, manufacturing and preparatory treatment. Fever, low blood pressure or neurological changes may signal a serious complication; follow the centre's emergency arrangements and restrictions. NCI
Before deciding
Understand a procedure before considering it
A procedure page helps you understand an intervention. Its suitability for you is discussed with a professional, considering your circumstances, the options and what matters in your life.
Understand the purpose. Explore the options. Prepare what comes next.
The alternatives
Consider other options and the possible consequences of waiting or having no intervention.
Ask your professionalWhat other possibilities should we discuss?
Preparation
Share your medicines and medical history. Clarify the tests and instructions appropriate to the planned procedure.
Ask your professionalWhat individual instructions should I receive before my appointment?
What happens
Ask about the steps, the team and, where relevant, the anaesthesia.
Ask your professionalWhat will actually happen during the procedure?
Aftercare and recovery
Plan support at home, appointments and the return to activities with your care team.
Ask your professionalWhat follow-up should be arranged after discharge?
Risks and complications
Ask about risks relevant to you, uncertainties and what to do if difficulties arise.
Ask your professionalWho should I contact and which signs mean I should seek help?
Your questions, ready for the consultation
Write down your priorities and anything that remains unclear. Ask for explanations in a language you understand.
- What benefit can I reasonably expect?
- What might change the decision?
- Which documents and contacts should I keep afterwards?
These pointers help you prepare a discussion with a professional. They do not establish an individual indication or a preparation or recovery protocol.
Sources and reading context
NHS resources in English. The surgery pages address surgical procedures; arrangements for other procedures should be clarified with the relevant team. Local processes may differ.
- Discussing surgery with a specialist NHS · Seeing a specialist — Having an operation (surgery)
- Preparing for surgery NHS · Before surgery — Having an operation (surgery)
- Planning aftercare and discharge NHS · After surgery — Having an operation (surgery)
- Understanding consent to treatment NHS · Consent to treatment
Sources accessed on 14 September 2026
Continue with the right medical context.
Compare the related specialty and use the Guide to understand destinations, preparation and the questions to ask a professional.