Surgery can be used in many ways to treat cancer patients. It offers the best chance for cure in cancers that have not spread to other parts of the body, but it can also be used in cancer diagnosis, staging, and supportive care.
Surgery as a treatment option will differ for every patient depending on the type of surgery, the specific cancer, and the general health of the patient.
There are several types of surgery used in cancer treatment. In some cases these surgical procedures will be used in combination with other cancer treatments. Below is a list and brief explanation of surgical procedures commonly used to treat cancer.
Preventive surgery, also known as prophylactic surgery, is a medical procedure conducted to remove tissue that is not yet cancerous but has a high potential to become malignant in the future. This proactive measure aims to significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer. The primary objective of preventive surgery is to intercept cancer before it develops, making it particularly beneficial for individuals who have a strong family history of certain cancers or genetic mutations that predispose them to specific types of cancer.
An example of preventive surgery is the removal of polyps to prevent colon cancer. By taking such preemptive actions, the likelihood of cancer development can be greatly diminished, offering a valuable approach to cancer prevention for high-risk individuals.
Even when biopsy and lab results have confirmed a diagnosis of cancer, staging surgery helps doctors to establish a more accurate assessment of how far the cancer has spread within the body. This assessment is extremely important in determining the type of treatment used.
An example of this would be a diagnostic laparoscopy (putting a small scope with camera) to determine any spread into the abdomen before giving an extensive surgery to the patien
The goal of curative surgery is to remove a tumor that is confined to a specific part of the body. This type of treatment is often referred to as primary treatment. Curative surgery aims to eliminate the cancerous tissue, thereby offering the best chance for a cure when the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body. In many cases, curative surgery is the first line of defense against cancer and can be highly effective on its own.
However, it may also be combined with other forms of cancer treatment, such as radiation or chemotherapy, to enhance its effectiveness and reduce the likelihood of cancer recurrence. By integrating multiple treatment modalities, the chances of achieving long-term remission and preventing the cancer from returning are significantly improved.
Debulking surgery is used when a tumor cannot be removed completely because removal of the entire tumor may cause excessive damage to an organ or surrounding tissues. In such cases, the surgeon will remove as much of the tumor as possible, reducing its size to minimize its impact on the body. The remaining cancerous tissue is then treated with radiation therapy or chemotherapy to target and destroy the residual cancer cells.
This type of surgery is also called cytoreduction. By reducing the tumor’s size, debulking surgery can improve the effectiveness of subsequent treatments, alleviate symptoms, and enhance the patient’s overall quality of life.
In advanced stages of cancer, palliative surgery is used to relieve pain and discomfort caused by the tumor or the treatments used to manage the tumor. This type of surgery is not intended to cure the cancer but to improve the patient’s quality of life by alleviating symptoms and reducing suffering. An example of palliative surgery is a bypass surgery in cases of advanced pancreatic cancer, where the gallbladder and stomach are joined directly to the intestine because the tumor is causing a blockage in the bile duct and intestine.
By addressing these blockages, palliative surgery helps patients manage severe symptoms, making their daily lives more comfortable.
Supportive surgery is performed to aid and facilitate other types of cancer treatment. Its primary goal is to support the effectiveness and comfort of ongoing therapies. An example of supportive surgery includes the placement of a port or catheter into a large vein. This device is used to administer chemotherapy treatments directly into the bloodstream and to draw blood for testing without the need for repeated needle sticks.
By reducing the discomfort and inconvenience associated with frequent injections, supportive surgery plays a crucial role in enhancing patient comfort during cancer treatment.
Restorative or reconstructive surgery is performed to restore the patient’s appearance or the function of a body part that may have been altered or removed due to previous surgeries, trauma, or medical conditions. This type of surgery aims to improve the patient’s quality of life and overall well-being by restoring normal appearance and function.
An example of restorative surgery is breast reconstruction performed after the surgical removal of a breast due to breast cancer. This procedure helps women regain a sense of wholeness and restores their physical appearance following mastectomy. Restorative surgery may involve techniques such as tissue flap reconstruction, implants, or a combination of both, tailored to meet the individual needs and preferences of the patient.
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