Surgical Oncology Thesis Topics

Surgical Oncology Thesis Topics

Surgical Oncology focuses on the operative management of solid organ malignancies, integrating surgery with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapies. This page lists 100 detailed Surgical Oncology thesis topics suitable for M.Ch Surgical Oncology residents in India and trainees in GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain), including Arab Board Surgical Oncology programmes.

The content is optimised for searches such as surgical oncology thesis topics, MCh Surgical Oncology dissertation topics India, GI cancer surgery thesis topics, breast surgical oncology research ideas, GCC oncology surgery thesis topics, Arab Board surgical oncology projects. Most titles are formulated as comparative clinical studies, observational cohorts and cross sectional analyses that are feasible in high-volume oncology centres in India and the GCC.

1. Breast Surgical Oncology

Comparative study of breast-conserving surgery versus modified radical mastectomy in early-stage carcinoma breast. Evaluates local recurrence, disease-free survival, cosmetic outcome and quality-of-life in Indian and GCC cohorts.
Observational study of molecular subtype distribution and its impact on surgical decision-making in breast cancer. Correlates luminal, HER2-enriched and triple negative subtypes with neoadjuvant use and type of surgery performed.
Cross sectional analysis of sentinel lymph node biopsy accuracy in clinically node-negative breast cancer. Assesses identification rate, false negative rate and factors affecting mapping success.
Comparative study of axillary lymph node dissection versus sentinel lymph node biopsy alone in select node-positive patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Evaluates lymphedema, shoulder function and regional control.
Observational study of locally advanced breast cancer presentation patterns in Indian and GCC women. Documents delay in presentation, tumour size, nodal burden and access to multimodal treatment.
Cross sectional analysis of re-excision rates after breast-conserving surgery and their predictors. Reviews margin status, imaging–pathology correlation and surgeon-related factors.
Comparative study of oncoplastic breast-conserving techniques versus standard lumpectomy. Assesses margin positivity, cosmetic scores and need for completion mastectomy.
Observational study of male breast cancer cases in a tertiary oncology centre. Describes clinicopathological features, treatment received and outcomes.
Cross sectional analysis of adherence to breast cancer follow-up protocols after curative surgery. Evaluates compliance with clinical visits, imaging, endocrine therapy and detection of recurrence.
Comparative study of immediate breast reconstruction versus delayed reconstruction after mastectomy where both are practised. Reviews complication rates, radiotherapy impact and patient-reported satisfaction.

2. Gastrointestinal Surgical Oncology

Observational study of stage at diagnosis and treatment patterns in colorectal carcinoma in an Indian/GCC oncology unit. Describes demographic profile, tumour location, use of neoadjuvant therapy and type of surgery performed.
Comparative study of laparoscopic versus open colorectal resections for non-metastatic colorectal cancer where both are routinely done. Evaluates oncologic adequacy, morbidity, recovery and short-term recurrence.
Cross sectional analysis of margin status and lymph node yield in gastric cancer resections. Correlates extent of lymphadenectomy with stage, complications and early survival trends.
Observational study of outcomes of total mesorectal excision in rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Assesses circumferential margin involvement, tumour regression grade and local recurrence.
Comparative study of D1 versus D2 lymphadenectomy in carcinoma stomach where both approaches are used. Reviews nodal yield, postoperative morbidity, mortality and staging accuracy.
Cross sectional analysis of perioperative nutritional status and its association with complications in GI cancer surgery. Uses BMI, albumin and nutritional risk scores to predict postoperative outcomes.
Observational study of synchronous and metachronous colorectal liver metastases in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. Evaluates timing of liver-directed therapy and survival outcomes.
Comparative study of sphincter-preserving surgery versus abdominoperineal resection in low rectal cancer where both are feasible. Measures local control, continence, sexual function and quality-of-life.
Cross sectional analysis of reoperation rates after GI oncologic resections and causes of re-laparotomy. Documents anastomotic leak, haemorrhage, obstruction and their outcomes.
Observational study of perioperative outcomes of cytoreductive surgery with or without intraperitoneal chemotherapy in peritoneal surface malignancy. Assesses completeness of cytoreduction, complications and short-term survival.

3. Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) Surgical Oncology

Observational study of hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing liver resection in an HPB oncology unit. Evaluates underlying cirrhosis, Child–Pugh class, tumour characteristics and survival outcomes.
Comparative study of surgical resection versus loco-regional therapies (TACE/RFA) in selected hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Analyses perioperative morbidity, recurrence patterns and overall survival where both options exist.
Cross sectional analysis of perioperative outcomes in pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary and pancreatic head carcinoma. Documents pancreatic fistula rates, delayed gastric emptying, lymph node yield and margin status.
Observational study of hilar cholangiocarcinoma resections and predictors of resectability and survival. Includes Bismuth classification, biliary drainage strategies and postoperative liver failure.
Comparative study of minimal access distal pancreatectomy versus open distal pancreatectomy in selected pancreatic body and tail tumours. Evaluates blood loss, hospital stay, complications and oncologic adequacy.
Cross sectional analysis of gallbladder carcinoma discovered incidentally after cholecystectomy. Reviews completion surgery, stage migration and survival.
Observational study of postoperative complications after major liver resections for malignancy. Analyses bile leak, liver failure, infections and need for ICU stay.
Comparative study of neoadjuvant versus upfront surgery in borderline resectable pancreatic cancer where both strategies are used. Assesses R0 resection rates, nodal status and early survival differences.
Cross sectional analysis of vascular resection and reconstruction in HPB oncologic surgery. Documents indications, technical aspects and perioperative outcomes.
Observational study of long-term quality-of-life after pancreaticoduodenectomy for malignancy. Uses validated QOL tools to assess nutritional status, fatigue and daily functioning.

4. Endocrine Surgical Oncology

Cross sectional analysis of differentiated thyroid carcinoma patients undergoing thyroidectomy with or without central neck dissection. Correlates risk stratification systems with nodal yield, complications and recurrence.
Comparative study of total thyroidectomy versus lobectomy for low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer where both options are practised. Evaluates recurrence, need for completion surgery, hypocalcemia and nerve injury.
Observational study of medullary thyroid carcinoma and the role of prophylactic neck dissection based on genetic and biochemical markers. Documents presentation, operative strategy and outcomes.
Cross sectional analysis of minimally invasive versus conventional open thyroidectomy for thyroid malignancy where expertise exists. Assesses cosmesis, operative time, complications and hospital stay.
Observational study of hyperparathyroidism due to parathyroid adenoma in oncology practice. Describes localisation techniques, operative findings and postoperative calcium dynamics.
Comparative study of laparoscopic adrenalectomy versus open adrenalectomy for adrenal tumours. Evaluates blood loss, operative time, complications and length of stay.
Cross sectional analysis of incidental thyroid microcarcinomas detected in thyroidectomy specimens. Reviews prevalence, associated pathology and need for additional treatment.
Observational study of recurrence patterns in intermediate- and high-risk thyroid cancer following comprehensive surgery. Evaluates loco-regional versus distant recurrence and time to recurrence.
Comparative study of intraoperative neuromonitoring versus conventional technique in thyroid cancer surgery. Assesses recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy rates and postoperative voice outcomes.
Cross sectional analysis of quality-of-life in patients after curative surgery for endocrine malignancies. Uses disease-specific QOL measures to assess fatigue, mood and functional status.

5. Soft Tissue and Bone Sarcoma Surgery

Observational study of limb soft tissue sarcomas managed with limb-salvage surgery in a tertiary oncology centre. Describes histological subtypes, margin status, local recurrence and functional outcomes.
Comparative study of limb-salvage surgery versus amputation in extremity bone and soft tissue sarcomas when both strategies are applied. Evaluates survival, local control, prosthesis use and quality-of-life.
Cross sectional analysis of imaging–pathology correlation in extremity sarcomas. Correlates MRI features with grade, necrosis and surgical planning.
Observational study of reconstruction techniques after wide excision of extremity sarcomas. Reviews use of local flaps, free flaps and prosthetic implants and their complication profiles.
Comparative study of preoperative versus postoperative radiotherapy in limb soft tissue sarcomas where both protocols exist. Analyses wound complication rates, local control and functional outcome.
Cross sectional analysis of prognostic factors for disease-free survival in extremity sarcomas. Includes grade, size, depth, margin status and adequacy of multimodal therapy.
Observational study of pelvic and retroperitoneal sarcomas undergoing surgical resection. Documents organ involvement, R0 resection rates and recurrence patterns.
Comparative study of en bloc resection versus intralesional excision in selected bone sarcomas. Evaluates local recurrence, function and reconstruction-related complications.
Cross sectional analysis of delays in diagnosis of sarcomas and impact on stage at presentation. Reviews patient, physician and system-related factors in India and GCC.
Observational study of long-term functional and psychosocial outcome after limb-salvage surgery for sarcomas. Uses musculoskeletal tumor society scores and QOL questionnaires.

6. Head and Neck Surgical Oncology

Observational study of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma patterns in Indian and GCC populations. Describes risk factors such as tobacco, betel nut and HPV status where available, along with stage at presentation.
Comparative study of elective versus therapeutic neck dissection in clinically node-negative early oral cancers. Evaluates occult nodal metastasis, regional control and survival.
Cross sectional analysis of margin status and local recurrence after surgery for oral cavity cancers. Correlates margin distance, site and adjuvant treatment with recurrence.
Observational study of functional outcomes following composite resections with microvascular free flap reconstruction in oral cancers. Assesses speech, swallowing, cosmetic outcome and quality-of-life.
Comparative study of different flap options (radial forearm versus anterolateral thigh) for tongue and floor-of-mouth reconstruction. Evaluates flap reliability, donor site morbidity and functional results.
Cross sectional analysis of laryngeal cancer patients undergoing partial versus total laryngectomy. Reviews voice rehabilitation, aspiration, local control and survival.
Observational study of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients requiring salvage or adjunctive surgery. Describes indications, operative challenges and oncologic outcomes.
Comparative study of open versus minimally invasive approaches for thyroid and parathyroid malignancies where head and neck oncology team is involved. Assesses cosmesis, complications and oncologic adequacy.
Cross sectional analysis of quality-of-life and psychosocial issues in patients after major head and neck oncology surgery. Uses validated head and neck QOL instruments to assess functional and emotional domains.
Observational study of nodal yield and pattern of nodal metastasis in different subsites of head and neck cancers. Provides data to refine neck dissection templates in local practice.

7. Gynecologic Surgical Oncology (Surgical Aspects)

Observational study of advanced ovarian carcinoma patients undergoing primary debulking versus interval debulking surgery. Evaluates completeness of cytoreduction, morbidity and short-term survival.
Comparative study of minimally invasive versus open staging surgery in early-stage endometrial carcinoma where both are practised. Reviews operative outcomes, nodal yield and hospital stay.
Cross sectional analysis of lymphadenectomy patterns in gynecologic malignancies operated by a surgical oncology/gynec-onco team. Correlates indications, node positivity and complication rates.
Observational study of radical hysterectomy outcomes in carcinoma cervix in an Indian/GCC cohort. Assesses operative details, complications, bladder dysfunction and local control.
Comparative study of primary exenteration versus staged pelvic exenteration approaches in recurrent pelvic malignancy. Evaluates morbidity, stoma-related issues and survival where both are used.
Cross sectional analysis of perioperative morbidity in cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer. Reviews transfusion requirement, ICU stay, anastomotic leaks and infections.
Observational study of fertility-sparing surgery in early-stage gynecologic cancers. Describes selection criteria, oncologic safety and reproductive outcomes.
Comparative study of sentinel node mapping versus conventional lymphadenectomy in selected gynecologic malignancies where feasible. Assesses nodal detection, complications and staging accuracy.
Cross sectional analysis of quality-of-life in women after radical pelvic surgery for gynecologic cancers. Evaluates body image, sexual function and urinary and bowel symptoms.
Observational study of patterns of recurrence following optimal cytoreductive surgery in ovarian carcinoma. Documents site, timing and subsequent treatment strategies.

8. Thoracic Surgical Oncology

Observational study of non-small cell lung cancer patients undergoing surgical resection in a thoracic oncology unit. Analyses stage at presentation, type of resection, nodal status and early survival.
Comparative study of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy versus open lobectomy for early-stage lung cancer where both are performed. Evaluates perioperative morbidity, lymph node yield and length of stay.
Cross sectional analysis of mediastinal masses operated by thoracic surgical oncology teams. Reviews histopathology, operative approach and complications.
Observational study of sleeve resections for central bronchogenic carcinoma. Assesses technical feasibility, anastomotic complications and parenchymal preservation.
Comparative study of sublobar resection versus lobectomy in high-risk early lung cancer patients where both are practised. Evaluates local recurrence, pulmonary function and survival.
Cross sectional analysis of postoperative air leak and respiratory complications after lung resections. Identifies risk factors, management strategies and impact on hospital stay.
Observational study of chest wall resections for primary and secondary malignancies. Documents reconstruction techniques, complications and functional outcomes.
Comparative study of perioperative outcomes in elderly versus younger patients undergoing thoracic oncologic surgery. Assesses morbidity, mortality and discharge disposition.
Cross sectional analysis of prognostic factors in surgically treated lung cancer patients in Indian and GCC populations. Includes smoking status, histology, nodal stage and completeness of resection.
Observational study of quality-of-life following curative thoracic oncologic surgery. Uses lung cancer-specific QOL scales to assess dyspnoea, fatigue and role functioning.

9. Cutaneous Malignancies and Melanoma Surgery

Cross sectional analysis of non-melanoma skin cancers (basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma) treated surgically. Describes site distribution, margin status, reconstruction and recurrence.
Observational study of cutaneous melanoma patients undergoing wide local excision with or without sentinel lymph node biopsy. Evaluates Breslow thickness, nodal positivity and survival trends.
Comparative study of different margin widths in excision of low-risk cutaneous malignancies. Assesses local recurrence, cosmetic outcome and need for re-excision.
Cross sectional analysis of reconstruction options after excision of facial skin cancers. Reviews local flaps, skin grafts and secondary healing with aesthetic results.
Observational study of Merkel cell carcinoma and other rare cutaneous malignancies in a surgical oncology practice. Describes presentation, nodal involvement and outcome after multimodal therapy.
Comparative study of sentinel lymph node biopsy versus elective lymph node dissection in intermediate-thickness melanoma where both strategies exist. Evaluates nodal recurrence, morbidity and survival.
Cross sectional analysis of delays in diagnosis of melanoma and impact on stage at surgery. Reviews patient awareness, dermatology referral patterns and lesion characteristics.
Observational study of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers arising in scarred or chronically inflamed skin. Includes burn scars, chronic ulcers and lymphedema-related lesions.
Comparative study of Mohs micrographic surgery versus standard excision for selected skin cancers where Mohs is available. Assesses margin control, tissue preservation and recurrence.
Cross sectional analysis of quality-of-life in patients after major cutaneous oncologic resections and reconstruction. Evaluates body image, social interaction and psychological impact.

10. Perioperative Oncology, Reconstruction and Survivorship

Comparative study of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols versus conventional care in major oncologic resections. Evaluates time to bowel recovery, complications, readmissions and hospital stay across GI and HPB surgeries.
Observational study of postoperative complication rates in major cancer surgery and their impact on initiation of adjuvant therapy. Assesses delay in chemotherapy or radiotherapy start and its effect on early outcomes.
Cross sectional analysis of unplanned readmissions within 30 days following major surgical oncology procedures. Identifies common causes such as wound issues, ileus, pain and infections.
Observational study of reconstructive procedures performed in conjunction with oncologic resections across different subsites. Reviews type of reconstruction, complication rates and time to adjuvant therapy.
Comparative study of pedicled flaps versus free flaps in complex oncologic reconstruction where both are used. Evaluates operative time, flap failure, donor site morbidity and functional outcomes.
Cross sectional analysis of long-term quality-of-life in survivors of major cancer surgery using validated instruments. Assesses physical functioning, emotional wellbeing, social role and financial toxicity.
Observational study of cancer-related fatigue and its correlation with type and extent of surgery in long-term survivors. Explores association with comorbidities, adjuvant therapy and lifestyle factors.
Comparative study of tele-oncology follow-up versus conventional in-person follow-up for stable postoperative cancer survivors. Evaluates patient satisfaction, detection of recurrence and healthcare utilisation.
Cross sectional analysis of palliative surgical procedures in advanced malignancy and their impact on symptom relief. Reviews indications, perioperative risk and patient-reported benefit.
Observational study of survivorship care plans in surgical oncology and awareness among patients and treating teams. Assesses components documented, adherence to follow-up advice and patient understanding.
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