Cancer surgery is one of the most common ways to treat cancer. With surgery, it may be possible to remove all the cancer.
Depending on the type of cancer and where it is located, surgery might be the only cancer treatment you need. Or it could be part of a plan that includes radiation therapy, chemotherapy or other treatments.
Advances in minimally invasive techniques mean that cancer surgery can often be performed with smaller incisions, quicker recovery times and fewer complications.
If you or someone you care about is thinking about having surgery for cancer, learning about your options and what to expect can help you feel more prepared.
How is surgery used to treat cancer?
Surgery plays an important role in cancer treatment. The type of cancer and where it is located will help your health care team guide you through your options and recommend the best surgery if it’s needed.
Surgery for cancer may:
- Remove the cancer: When a tumor is only found in one area, surgery may remove all the cancer.
- Reduce the size of the tumor: If the tumor can’t be completely removed, surgery may be able to make it smaller, so other treatments are more effective.
- Ease symptoms: Surgery can stop tumors from pressing on nearby organs.
- Check to see if cancer has spread: Surgeons may take out lymph nodes to see whether the cancer has reached other parts of the body.
- Reconstruct damaged areas: After a tumor is removed, reconstruction surgery may help restore your function or appearance.
- Address multiple issues: Sometimes, one surgery can take care of several concerns. For example, a surgical team may be able to diagnose, stage and treat cancer in the same procedure.
Types of cancer surgery
Different surgeries are used for different needs. Your health care provider will recommend the surgery that fits your treatment goals. Some common ones are:
- Curative surgery: Removes all the cancer when it hasn’t spread past where it started.
- Debulking surgery: Removes as much of the tumor as possible when it can’t be completely removed.
- Palliative surgery: Relieves symptoms so you can be more comfortable.
- Minimally invasive surgery: Including both laparoscopic and robotic surgery, these procedures use small incisions, magnification and precise movements for a faster recovery and less scarring.
- Lymph node removal: Checks to see if cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
- Staging surgery: Figures out how advanced the cancer is. This may involve using an endoscope or laparoscope to see the area and take tissue samples.
- Supportive surgery: Helps with other treatments, like inserting a port under the skin for chemotherapy.
- Electrosurgery: Uses an electric current to destroy cancer cells.
- Laser surgery: Uses beams of light to shrink or remove cancer cells.
- Ostomy surgery: Creates a stoma (opening) in the body to allow waste to leave.
Surgery for specific cancers
The approach to surgery depends on the type of cancer and the part of the body where it is located:
Recovery after cancer surgery
Healing and recovery depend on the surgery you had and the part of the body that was treated. Your health care provider can tell you what to expect and give you tips for managing pain and making your recovery smoother. Ask about:
- Pain management: Medications can help you stay as comfortable as possible.
- Healing process: Minimally invasive surgeries often heal faster than open surgeries.
- Common side effects: You may have swelling, bruising or scarring.
- Activity restrictions: Your provider will let you know when it’s safe to go back to your activities.
- Follow-up care: Regular check-ups help make sure you’re healing well, and the cancer hasn’t come back.
Reconstruction options
Reconstruction surgery can help restore your appearance or function after treatment for certain types of cancer. Reconstruction may happen during the surgery to treat the cancer or later:
- Breast reconstruction: Implants or flap procedures, which use your own tissue to rebuild the breast, may be options after mastectomy.
- Head and neck reconstruction: These procedures may improve your speech and/or swallowing. Facial reconstruction may help restore your appearance.
- Pelvic reconstruction: These can help restore your function after gynecologic cancer surgeries.
- Testicular implants: These can help restore your groin appearance.
Considering surgery as a treatment option
Surgery is a big decision. Your health care provider will recommend surgery if they think it’s the best approach for you.
Here are some questions to ask:
- What kind of surgery do I need?
- What are the risks and benefits?
- How long will recovery take?
- Will I need other treatments like radiation therapy or chemotherapy?
- Are there minimally invasive surgery options for me?
The answers to these questions can help you feel more informed and confident about your care.
Why choose Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center?
Surgery is a powerful tool for treating cancer, whether it removes tumors, reduces symptoms or prepares you for other treatments. With the right team and plan, you can feel confident about your care.
At Banner MD Anderson, we provide expert surgical treatment for cancer. Here’s what makes us stand out:
- Advanced techniques: Minimally invasive surgery and robotic-assisted procedures help lower the risk of complications and speed recovery.
- Comprehensive care: Our team of specialists includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and surgical specialists who work together to give you personalized treatment.
- Reconstructive expertise: We offer options for reconstruction surgery, including breast reconstruction tailored to your needs.
- Innovative treatments: We can provide access to clinical trials that may offer cutting-edge care.
If you or a loved one is considering surgery for cancer, trust Banner MD Anderson to provide expert, compassionate care. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
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