Cancer surgery
Cancer surgery involves the removal of tumors from the body, sometimes necessitating the extraction of surrounding healthy tissue. As the oldest form of cancer treatment, it remains highly effective across many cancer types.
A surgical oncologist, a doctor specializing in cancer surgery, typically performs these procedures, although other specialized physicians may also conduct cancer surgeries.
The objectives of cancer surgery include tumor removal, restoration of bodily function, and alleviation of associated symptoms. Additionally, surgery aids in determining:
- Presence of cancer
- Localization of the cancer
- Extent of spread or impact on adjacent organs
Performed in various settings such as doctor’s offices, clinics, surgery centers, or hospitals, the choice depends on the surgery type and expected recovery duration. Outpatient surgery, also known as ambulatory surgery, allows for same-day or next-day discharge if extended monitoring isn’t required. Inpatient surgery, on the other hand, may entail a hospital stay lasting more than one night.
Anesthesia, which blocks pain awareness, is often administered during surgery. The type and level of anesthesia vary based on the procedure’s nature and complexity.
How is Cancer surgery used?
Cancer Prevention: In certain cases, surgery can proactively remove an organ before cancer develops, effectively preventing its occurrence.
Diagnosis: Surgery may be employed to obtain tissue samples for testing, aiding in the detection of cancerous cells. Genetic testing of these samples helps tailor treatment plans.
Staging: Surgical procedures reveal the size and extent of cancer spread, crucial for determining the cancer’s stage. Staging informs healthcare providers about the severity of the condition and the necessity of aggressive treatment.
Primary Treatment: Surgery serves as the primary treatment for many cancers, directly targeting and removing cancerous tissue.
Debulking: In situations where complete removal of cancer isn’t feasible, surgeons may perform debulking procedures to reduce the tumor’s size and alleviate symptoms.
Relieving Symptoms or Side Effects: Surgery is utilized to enhance quality of life by alleviating symptoms caused by cancer, such as pain from nerve or bone compression, or removing obstructions caused by tumor growth.
What other techniques are used in cancer surgery?
Cryosurgery: Utilizing very cold materials like liquid nitrogen spray or a cold probe, cryosurgery freezes and eradicates cancer cells.
Electrosurgery: This technique employs electric current to destroy cancerous cells.
Laser surgery: Beams of light are used in laser surgery to reduce or eliminate cancer cells.Laparoscopic surgery: A minimally invasive procedure involving small incisions instead of a large cut. A tiny camera and surgical instruments are inserted through these incisions, allowing the surgeon to visualize and remove the cancer with precision. This approach often leads to quicker recovery and fewer post-surgical complications.
Robotic surgery: Surgeons operate from a distance while viewing a 3D image of the operating area on a screen. Hand controls guide robotic surgical tools to perform the operation, enabling access to hard-to-reach areas and potentially resulting in faster recovery and fewer complications.
Natural orifice surgery: This innovative technique involves operating on abdominal organs without making cuts in the skin. Surgical tools are inserted through natural body openings such as the mouth, rectum, or vagina.