Introduction: Oncological surgery is one of the main pillars in the cancer treatment. Despite the significant advances of immunotherapies, target therapies, chemotherapies, and radiotherapies, surgery continues as an essential therapy. Objective: to present an updated overview of the oncological surgery’s role, highlighting its evolution throughout history and the current approaches and techniques in cancer treatment. Methods: Narrative and exploratory bibliographic study. The research was carried out in the Medline and Embase databases, using the terms (((surgical oncology)) OR ((surgery) AND (cancer) OR (tumors))). Results: Oncological surgery has made significant advances over its history. Currently, what prevails is the minimally invasive mentality with the techniques of video laparoscopy and robotic surgery. Although access is not uniform throughout the world, the expectation is that more popularization of these techniques will occur in the coming years. The oncological surgery is indicated to prevent, diagnose, evaluate the disease’s spread, curative treatment, sequelae and complications management, as well as palliation. Conclusion: Surgery is a procedure that improves the quality of life and increases cancer patients’ survival. The knowledge of its applicability, different techniques, and future expectations is essential for the correct orientation, referral to specialists, and patient’s follow-up.