Surgery remains a crucial tool in cancer management and treatment, despite advancements in chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.
However, surgery oncology may not always be necessary or appropriate in every case, depending on the type of cancer, location, stage, and patient’s overall health. In this article, we discuss when surgery is necessary in cancer treatment and management, the factors that influence the decision, and the types of surgery involved in cancer care.
1. When treating localized cancer
Primary Surgery is often necessary for early-stage, localized cancer detection and removal, as it offers the best chance for a cure when the tumor can be completely removed. Primary surgery is commonly used to treat breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancer. Surgical procedures include lumpectomy, mastectomy, resection of the affected colon or rectum, lobectomy or pneumonectomy, and radical prostatectomy for localized cancer. These procedures help eliminate cancerous tissues.
Surgery is often the most effective treatment for early-stage cancers, as it removes the tumor and surrounding tissue, leaving no cancer cells behind.
2. To reduce the size of the tumor
Debulking surgery is a procedure where cancer grows too large to be removed or spreads, reducing the tumor’s size. This can improve treatment effectiveness and alleviate symptoms caused by the tumor’s size.
Debulking surgery is often necessary for ovarian cancer, sarcomas, and hard-to-reach areas of cancer, as it removes as much tumor as possible before chemotherapy if critical structures prevent complete removal or impair vital organs.
3. When oncologists want to make a diagnosis
Surgery may sometimes not be required for treatment but instead used to accurately diagnose or determine the stage of cancer by removing a biopsy to confirm cancer cell presence and assess disease spread. This type of surgery is referred to as diagnostic surgery.
Accurate diagnosis and staging are crucial for developing effective treatment plans, with diagnostic surgery often playing a significant role in gathering necessary information about the cancer’s characteristics.
4.To prevent cancer
Individuals at high risk of developing certain cancers may undergo prophylactic surgery, removing potentially cancerous tissues or organs even if no cancer has been detected yet.
Preventive surgery, such as mastectomy and colonectomy, is recommended for women with genetic mutations or those with FAP to reduce breast cancer risk. Consultation with genetic counselors and specialists is essential for assessing risk and guiding options.
5. To relieve symptoms
When cancer is advanced and a cure isn’t possible, Palliative surgery is crucial for improving a patient’s quality of life by relieving symptoms and managing complications, such as pain or blockages. Palliative surgery is often necessary for bowel obstruction, spinal cord compression, and nerve pain caused by cancer. These surgeries aim to improve the patient’s quality of life by addressing the physical burdens of cancer, even when curative treatment is not feasible.
6. To restore appearance
Reconstructive surgery may be necessary after cancer surgery to restore the appearance and function of affected body parts, depending on the patient’s condition and treatment plan. Breast reconstruction and facial reconstruction are two types of reconstructive surgery that aim to restore the shape and appearance of the breast and restore function after tumor removal, particularly in cases of skin cancer.
7. To combine with other treatments for effective results
Surgery is often combined with other cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy to improve treatment outcomes and reduce cancer recurrence risk.
Wrapping it up
Surgery is crucial in cancer management, ranging from localized curing to diagnosing, staging, and preventing cancer. It improves survival rates, patient outcomes, and quality of life. Understanding when surgery is necessary empowers patients to make informed decisions.