Medical Oncologist
CION Cancer Clinics
Tests done before cancer surgery | CION Cancer Clinics
Before cancer surgery, most people have blood tests, a urine test, an ECG and a chest X-ray. Some also need an echo, lung function tests or a specialist's opinion. These tests check whether your body is ready for anaesthesia and an operation. They are separate from the scans that showed the cancer. This page explains what each test looks for and what happens if a result is abnormal. CION Cancer Clinics’ surgical oncologists in Hyderabad can talk this through with you.
MI
Medically reviewed by Dr. Mohammed ImaduddinConsultant Surgical Oncologist · MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Surgical Oncology) · last reviewed September 2026, next review due September 2027
17+specialists on panel
15,000+patients treated
35+centres across Telangana & AP
4.8★ / 800+Google rating
On this page
- Which tests are usually done before cancer surgery?
- What does each group of tests look for?
- What should you bring on test day?
- In what order do the tests usually happen?
- Which tests are for everyone, and which only for some?
- What do people often believe about pre-surgery tests?
- What happens if a test result comes back abnormal?
- Common questions about tests before cancer surgery
The short answer
Which tests are usually done before cancer surgery?
Most people have blood tests, a urine test, an ECG and a chest X-ray. Some also need an echo, lung function tests or a specialist's opinion, depending on their health and the size of the operation.
These tests are different from your cancer scans
Your biopsy, CT, MRI or PET-CT showed the team where the cancer is and how far it has gone. The tests on this page answer a separate question: is your body ready for anaesthesia and an operation? Many families mix the two up and worry that more tests mean the cancer has spread. Usually they do not.
Why the list is not the same for everyone
A healthy younger person having a smaller operation may need only a few basic tests. An older person with diabetes and heart disease having a long abdominal operation will need more. Your surgeon and anaesthetist choose the tests that could change how they look after you.
What this page cannot tell you
It cannot give you your own list. That depends on your history, examination and the operation planned, and only your team can put those together. It also cannot read a result for you. A number marked high or low on a lab report is not always a problem for surgery, and the anaesthetist is the person who decides whether it matters.
The common checks
What does each group of tests look for?
The names on the request slip can look long. Most of them fall into a handful of groups.
Blood tests
They check your blood counts, kidneys, liver, sugar and how well your blood clots. Your blood group is also recorded in case a transfusion is needed.
Often includes
- Complete blood count
- Creatinine and electrolytes
- Clotting profile
Infection screen
Tests for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV are routine in many centres. They protect you and the staff, and they do not stop your operation if positive.
Urine test
A simple sample checks for infection and sugar. A urine infection is usually treated first, because it can spread after surgery.
Heart tests
An ECG records the heart's rhythm in a few minutes. An echo, which is an ultrasound of the heart, is added when there is a reason to look at how well it pumps.
Chest and lung tests
A chest X-ray is common. Lung function tests are mostly for people having chest or upper abdominal surgery, or who already have breathing problems.
Not sure whether this applies to you?
Ask an oncologistBefore you go
What should you bring on test day?
- Every recent report, even from another lab or hospital
- All your prescriptions, or the medicine strips themselves
- Your Aarogyasri, CGHS, ECHS, EHS card or insurance details
- Any previous heart, lung or kidney specialist notes
- A family member who knows your medical history
- Written fasting instructions, if you were given any
The usual order
In what order do the tests usually happen?
-
The surgeon writes the request
After the surgery is discussed, you are given a slip listing the tests. Ask which ones need fasting so you do not make two trips.
-
Samples and simple tests
Blood and urine samples, the ECG and the chest X-ray can often be done on the same visit. Some reports come back that day, others later.
-
Extra tests, if something needs a closer look
An unexpected result may lead to an echo, lung function tests or a repeat blood test. This is common and does not mean something is seriously wrong.
-
The pre-anaesthetic check-up
The anaesthetist goes through all the results with you and decides whether anything else is needed before the operation.
-
Final checks close to the date
A few tests, such as blood counts and blood group matching, may be repeated nearer the day so the team has fresh results.
Leave a number, we will call you
One field. No form to fill in, and no charge for the call.
Side by side
Which tests are for everyone, and which only for some?
Common for most people
Added only when there is a reason
Complete blood count and blood group
Iron studies, when haemoglobin is low
Kidney and sugar tests
HbA1c, to see sugar control over recent months
ECG
Echo, for heart disease or breathlessness
Chest X-ray
Lung function tests, for chest surgery or lung disease
Clotting profile
Thyroid tests, when there are symptoms or a history
Commonly believed
What do people often believe about pre-surgery tests?
"More tests mean a safer operation."
Tests help only when their result could change the plan. Unneeded tests can find harmless things that cause worry and delay. Your team orders what is useful for you.
"The hospital repeats tests just to charge more."
Results can change, especially after chemotherapy or a long wait. Anaesthetists often want recent results close to the date. If you have recent reports, bring them and ask whether they can be used.
"One abnormal result means surgery is cancelled."
Most abnormal results are treated or checked again, and the operation goes ahead. A low haemoglobin, high sugar or urine infection is usually corrected first. It may shift the date, not end the plan.
"Normal tests mean the cancer has not spread."
These tests check fitness for surgery. They are not designed to show where the cancer is. That question is answered by your scans and biopsy.
After the results
What happens if a test result comes back abnormal?
The team decides whether the result matters for your operation. Often it is corrected, watched or explained, and the plan continues.
Things that are usually fixed first
High blood sugar, high blood pressure, a low haemoglobin, a urine infection or a chest infection are common. Each can be treated, and the operation is then planned again. Ask how long the correction is likely to take.
Things that need a specialist
A new heart rhythm problem, a weak heart pump or poor lung function may need a heart or chest doctor's opinion. Their view helps the surgeon and anaesthetist choose how and when to operate. The final decision stays with your treating team.
What to ask about any result
Does this result change the operation, or only the date? What is being done to correct it? Which test will be repeated, and when? Who will tell us the answer? Write the answers down, or ask a family member to. When you have to travel from a district for each visit, ask whether the repeat test can be done nearer home and the report sent in.
Do not stop or change any medicine because of a result you have read yourself. Ask the doctor who prescribed it first.Questions we are asked
Common questions about tests before cancer surgery
Do I need to fast for the tests?
Only for some of them, usually the sugar and certain blood tests. Ask when the slip is written which tests need an empty stomach, and follow those instructions exactly. Keep drinking plain water unless you are told not to. Take your usual medicines unless a doctor has told you otherwise.
Can I use test reports from my local lab?
Often yes, if they are recent and from a recognised lab. Bring the original reports. Some tests, such as blood group matching, are usually repeated at the hospital doing the operation for safety. The anaesthetist decides which older reports can be accepted.
How long do the results take?
Many basic blood results, the ECG and the chest X-ray are ready the same day or the next. Some tests, such as certain infection screens or specialist reports, take longer. Ask at the sample counter when each report will be ready so you can plan your next visit.
Why do I need an HIV and hepatitis test?
These tests are routine before many operations. They help the team protect you and the staff and plan any extra care you may need. A positive result does not stop your cancer surgery. Your results are kept confidential.
I had chemotherapy recently. Are more tests needed?
Often, yes. Chemotherapy can lower blood counts and sometimes affect the heart, kidneys or liver. The team may repeat blood tests nearer the date, and some drugs mean an echo is checked. Tell the anaesthetist the names of the drugs you were given.
Is a CT or PET-CT part of the fitness tests?
Usually not. Those scans show where the cancer is and are normally done earlier, when the treatment is being planned. The fitness tests look at your heart, lungs, blood and organs. Your surgeon may ask for a fresh scan if the earlier one is old.
What if my father cannot manage the lung or heart tests?
Tell the technician and the doctor. Some tests need effort, such as blowing hard or walking. There are often other ways to judge fitness, including a careful history of daily activity or a different test. The team will explain what they can use instead.
Are these tests covered by Aarogyasri or insurance?
They are often covered when they are part of an approved cancer surgery plan. Aarogyasri, CGHS, ECHS, EHS and cashless insurance each have their own rules about pre-operative tests. Call the helpline with your card or policy details and the team can check your cover.
Meet the Specialists
17+ senior cancer specialists. One panel for your case.
Trained at AIIMS, Tata Memorial, and leading international centres. Combined 150+ years of experience. Every complex case is reviewed by 3+ of them — together.
Medical Oncologist
Dr. C. Raghavendra Reddy
MBBS(Gold Medal), DNB(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Gold Medal)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Bharati Devi Gorantla
MBBS, MD(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Adyar,Chennai), ECMO, MRCP SCE(UK)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Owais Mohammed
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DrNB (Medical Oncology), ECMO, MRCP SCE (Medical Oncology) (UK)
Medical Oncologist
Medical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Muralidhar Muddusetty
MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery) (AIIMS), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (Edinburgh)
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vinay Mamidala
MBBS, MS(General Surgery), M.Ch(Surgical Oncology), FMAS, FARIS(Ongoing)
Surgical Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Hematologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vajja Sandeep Kumar
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Surgical Oncology), FALS Oncology
Surgical Oncologist
Want a specific doctor for your case? Mention them when booking.
Book Free ConsultationBook an appointment with our specialist
Share your name and number — we'll call you back within 30 minutes to schedule your consultation.
Sources
- NICE — Routine preoperative tests for elective surgery (NG45)
- Royal College of Anaesthetists — Patient information
- Cancer Research UK — Surgery for cancer
- National Cancer Institute — Surgery to Treat Cancer
This page is general information, not a prescription. Do not change or stop any treatment based on what you read here. If anything is worrying you, contact your own treating team — or call our helpline and we will help you reach the right specialist.
Keep reading
Related pages
Blood Tests Before Cancer SurgeryEach blood test on the slip, in plain wordsWhat an ECG and Echo Before Surgery Are Looking ForWhat the heart tests show and when an echo is addedThe Pre-Anaesthetic Check-Up ExplainedWhere all your results are reviewed togetherFitness, Tests and PrehabilitationEvery guide on getting ready for an operation
Talk to us
Not sure what to do next?
Tell us what has been found so far and we will help you reach the right specialist. One helpline serves every CION centre.