Surgical removal of malignant tumors

In modern medicine, three main methods are used to treat malignant tumors: chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical treatment. Chemotherapy involves the use of medications that have the ability to kill malignant cells. Radiation therapy consists of exposure to a tumor with a narrow beam of radiation. As for surgical treatment , it implies the removal of malignant tumors or parts of them in an operative way.

Unfortunately, even despite significant advances in modern oncology, some cancers are not amenable to treatment. Therefore, patients are often prescribed complex treatment, which includes a combination of several methods. The most effective way is considered surgical removal of the tumor. The problem is that the operation can not be carried out in all cases due to anatomical features and localization of the tumor.

Types of oncology operations

Oncological operations are divided into two types: radical and palliative . Radical intervention implies the complete removal of the tumor and is considered the most effective method of treating cancer. In those cases where a tumor can not be removed, a palliative operation is performed, which is also called symptomatic. This method of treatment does not cure the patient, but allows to significantly alleviate the symptoms of cancer and improve the patient's well-being.

Radical cancer removal is usually effective in 1-2 stages, while palliative surgery is resorted to in advanced cases with the purpose of prolonging the life of the patient.

How are operations to remove cancer?

Since malignant cells often spread beyond the tumor, it is often removed "with a margin," that is, besides the tumor itself, the surrounding tissues are also removed. This is done to prevent recurrence of the disease. For example, in breast cancer, it is often necessary to remove not only the new growth, but also the entire mammary gland, and sometimes subclavian and axillary lymph nodes. In most cases, especially if the treatment was started in the early stages, this method can prevent the development of metastases and heal the patient.

After the operation to remove the tumor, plastic or cosmetic operations are often performed in order to remove scars and other external defects.

Cancer removal operations can be performed both with the help of a traditional scalpel and with the use of more modern instruments, such as a laser, an ultrasound scalpel or a radio-frequency knife. New equipment can reduce the traumatic procedure, avoid bleeding and other complications, shorten the recovery period. For example, when a larynx cancer is removed with a laser, the patient often manages to maintain a voice, which is not always possible with traditional operations.

Removal of malignant tumors requires special care and caution from specialists. During the procedure it is necessary to observe the rules of ablastics to prevent the reproduction of malignant cells. Thus, the incision of the skin should be performed exclusively within healthy tissues, and traumatization of tumor tissues is not permissible.

Some types of cancer are poorly curable and lead to the death of the patient. However, in many cases, a cure is still possible. The successful outcome of the procedure depends largely on the characteristics of the tumor, including its type, size, stage and the presence of metastases. Another important factor determining the success of treatment is the early diagnosis of the disease. The chances of recovery in the early stages are very high, so you need to pay attention to your own health and regularly undergo a medical examination.