Surgery As A Treatment Method For Cancer

In the process of surgery, the surgeon or the doctor specialized in surgery removes the cancer tissues or tumour by doing an operation. The doctor is generally known as a surgical oncologist.  This method is a very common treatment process along with other methods such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy etc. It is done under general anaesthesia or local anaesthetic depending on the type of cancer.

Why Surgery?

Surgery is usually done in the early stage to prevent the spreading of cancer to other body parts. If it is at a later stage then the tumour may be very big causing further complications which would then require you to opt for other methods of treatment. It is also done to spot the location of cancer. It helps in reducing the side effects and allows regulation of body functions. it usually works best in the initial stages with a solid tumour that is present only in one area. It cannot be used for certain types of cancer such as leukaemia, or cancer in the lymphatic system.

Types of surgery:

1.       For purpose of biopsy

There are two kinds in this type which is incisional and excisional biopsy. Incisional is to examine a small piece of the tumour or tissue for further diagnosis, while the other method is used to remove the tumour or the growth which may be cancerous.

2. Open surgery

Where the surgeon makes just one cut from where the tumour along with some lymph nodes, and other tissues are removed.

3. Invasive technique

Where the surgeon has to make many small cuts and use a laparoscope to guide the surgeon in removing the tumour using special tools.

Surgery is a common method and can help cure cancer if caught an early stage. If the surgery does not help, there are other methods that can be used after surgery for the treatment of cancer.