Frequently Asked Questions

A surgical oncologist is a surgeon who has completed additional specialized training beyond general surgery, focused on diagnosing and treating tumors surgically, in coordination with other specialties such as medical and radiation oncology.

A general surgeon manages a broad range of common surgical conditions such as hernias, gallbladder disease, and appendicitis. A surgical oncologist has additional advanced training that prepares them to manage complex tumor cases that may require more specialized surgery, such as peritoneal tumor resection or advanced liver and pancreatic surgery.

Referral to a surgical oncologist typically occurs when a tumor is identified that may benefit from surgical evaluation, whether for a biopsy or to consider surgical resection, as part of an integrated treatment plan developed by a multidisciplinary medical team.

No. Surgical treatment is not the appropriate option for every case. The treatment decision depends on the tumor's type, location, and stage, and the patient's overall health, and may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or a combination, based on the medical team's evaluation.

HIPEC is heated chemotherapy delivered directly into the abdominal cavity during surgery, used in selected cases of peritoneal tumor spread, typically alongside cytoreductive surgery. See the dedicated HIPEC page for full details.

This surgery aims to remove visible tumor deposits from within the abdominal cavity as completely as possible, often performed together with HIPEC in selected cases of peritoneal tumors, following careful assessment of the patient's suitability for this type of surgery.

This is the spread of cancer cells to the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, which may originate from tumors in the colon, stomach, ovary, appendix, or elsewhere. Treatment options vary depending on the tumor's origin, extent of spread, and the patient's condition.

This is the removal of portions of the peritoneum affected by tumor, and is one component of cytoreductive surgery in selected peritoneal tumor cases.

Not all hernias require immediate intervention, but surgical evaluation is generally recommended when there is persistent pain, increasing size, or risk of strangulation (trapped bowel). The surgeon determines the need for and timing of surgery after clinical examination.

It is best to bring any relevant medical reports, imaging, and prior lab results, a list of current medications, and any questions you would like to discuss during the consultation.

Yes, seeking a second medical opinion is a legitimate right for every patient, and is particularly encouraged for complex surgical or oncologic cases to support a well-informed treatment decision.

Appointments can be booked through the official channels of Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group in Riyadh.

Dr. Ayman Alrasheed sees patients through Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.