Cancer surgery is a medical procedure used to remove cancerous tumors or tissues from the body. The goal of cancer surgery is to eliminate as much of the cancer as possible while preserving healthy surrounding tissues and organs. The specific surgical approach and procedures used can vary widely depending on the type, stage, and location of the cancer
Here's an overview of some common cancer surgery procedures
Biopsy: Before cancer surgery, a biopsy is often performed to confirm the presence of cancer and determine its type and stage. During a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed from the suspected tumor or affected area and examined under a microscope.
Lumpectomy: This is a surgical procedure to remove only the cancerous lump or tumor and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue. Lumpectomies are commonly performed for breast cancer.
Mastectomy: A mastectomy involves the complete removal of the breast tissue. It is often performed when a lumpectomy is not possible or when the cancer has spread extensively within the breast. There are different types of mastectomies, including simple, modified radical, and radical mastectomy.
Partial Nephrectomy: This procedure involves the removal of a portion of the kidney, typically for kidney cancer. It is done when the tumor is small and located in a way that allows for partial removal while preserving the rest of the kidney.
Prostatectomy: Prostate cancer surgery involves the removal of the prostate gland. Depending on the stage and location of the cancer, various techniques can be used, including open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and robotic-assisted surgery.
Hysterectomy: In cases of cervical or uterine cancer, a hysterectomy may be performed. This procedure involves the removal of the uterus and may also include the removal of nearby lymph nodes and tissues.
Colon Resection: For colorectal cancer, part of the colon containing the tumor may be removed in a procedure called a colon resection. The remaining healthy ends of the colon are then reconnected.
Gastrectomy: This surgery is used for stomach cancer and involves the removal of part or all of the stomach, depending on the stage and location of the cancer.
Esophagectomy: For esophageal cancer, an esophagectomy may be performed to remove a portion of the esophagus. The remaining healthy portion of the esophagus is then reconstructed.
Lymph Node Dissection: In many cancer surgeries, nearby lymph nodes are also removed to check for the presence of cancer cells. This helps determine if the cancer has spread beyond the primary tumor.
Cytoreductive Surgery: In cases of advanced abdominal cancers like ovarian cancer or peritoneal mesothelioma, cytoreductive surgery aims to remove as much tumor tissue as possible.
Palliative Surgery: In some situations where cancer is advanced and cannot be completely removed, surgery may be performed to alleviate symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life.
It's important to note that surgery may be used in combination with other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, depending on the specific cancer and its stage. The choice of treatment depends on individual factors and requires a thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including surgeons, oncologists, and radiologists.