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Infographics & Visual Guides

Understand complex topics visually

Explore clear, evidence-based visual guides designed to make cancer easier to understand. Browse infographics on various topics and other questions patients commonly ask.

Browse by topic:

Understanding Your Diagnosis Surgery Options Advanced Treatments for Peritoneal Cancer Colorectal and Rectal Cancer

Understanding Your Diagnosis

Learn how cancer is staged and what the stage means.

Stages of Cancer: Stage I to IV

A general guide to what each stage usually means

Stage I

Small tumor
Usually confined to where it started
Often the most treatable stage

Stage II

Larger tumor, or growing deeper into the organ
Usually still limited to the area where it began
A nearby lymph node may be involved, depending on the cancer type

Stage III

Spread to nearby lymph nodes or neighboring tissues
Called regional spread
Treatment often combines surgery with other therapy

Stage IV

Spread to distant organs (metastatic)
Treatment often aims to control the disease and relieve symptoms
Some patients may still be suitable for surgery or other targeted treatment

Staging rules differ by cancer type. Your pathology and scan reports use the TNM system (tumor size, lymph nodes, metastasis) to give your exact stage, and treatment depends on much more than stage alone.

Read the full guide: Understanding Your Diagnosis →

Surgery Options

Compare the main ways cancer surgery can be performed.

Robotic vs Laparoscopic vs Open Surgery

How the three approaches generally compare

Robotic

Small keyhole incisions
3D high-definition view
Wristed instruments for fine work in tight spaces
Often a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery than open surgery
Needs a hospital with a robotic system and an experienced surgeon
Usually costs more

Laparoscopic

Small keyhole incisions
Camera view of the operating area
Rigid, straight instruments
Often a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery than open surgery
Widely available

Open

One larger incision
Direct view and touch
Often preferred for very large, advanced or emergency cases
Longer hospital stay and recovery on average
Still the standard approach for some operations

When done well in suitable patients, cancer-control results are often similar. The best approach depends on your tumor, your health and your surgeon’s experience.

Read the full guide: Robotic Cancer Surgery →

Advanced Treatments for Peritoneal Cancer

See how two specialized treatments for cancer in the abdominal lining differ.

HIPEC vs PIPAC: Key Differences

Two treatments for cancer that has spread to the lining of the abdomen

HIPEC

Heated chemotherapy (about 41–43 °C)
Given during major open cytoreductive surgery
Usually a single session
For limited disease that can be completely removed
Hospital stay often about 10–21 days

PIPAC

Chemotherapy delivered as a pressurized aerosol at normal body temperature
Given through keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery
Repeatable, often every 4–6 weeks
For extensive disease, or patients not suited to major surgery
Hospital stay often 1–3 days

The two treatments generally serve different patients, and many uses of PIPAC are still being studied.

Read the full guide: HIPEC guide | PIPAC guide →

Colorectal and Rectal Cancer

Answers to a common worry before rectal cancer surgery.

Will I Need a Stoma? Rectal Cancer Surgery

What patients most often ask

When it may be needed

Often after low rectal cancer surgery, to protect the new join while it heals
A high rectal resection with a safe join may not need one
Your surgeon plans this with you before surgery

Temporary or permanent

A temporary loop ileostomy is common after low anterior resection
A permanent colostomy is generally needed only when the anal sphincter muscles cannot be saved safely
Most patients having sphincter-preserving surgery do not need a permanent stoma

Daily life

A stoma nurse teaches you how to care for the stoma before you leave hospital
Most people return to normal activities, work and travel
Bowel habits often change after surgery and improve over 6 to 12 months for many patients

Reversal

A temporary stoma is often reversed about 2 to 6 months later
Reversal may be delayed if chemotherapy is needed
It is planned once healing is confirmed

Lifestyle and support

A dietitian and a pelvic floor physiotherapist can help
Stoma nurses, support groups and your surgical team can answer questions
Report fever, severe pain, vomiting or sudden stoma changes to your team

Every operation and every patient is different. Your surgeon will explain whether a stoma is likely in your case.

Read the full guide: Colorectal – Organ Preservation Surgery →

Important medical notice. These visual guides are for general education only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. They show general patterns, and your own situation may differ. Always discuss your diagnosis and treatment options with your qualified cancer care team.

Have questions about your diagnosis or treatment? Talk to a surgical oncologist.

Book a consultation or request a second opinion with Dr Ashwin K.R.

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