When someone is diagnosed with cancer, one of the first questions they may ask is: How will it be treated? There are many ways to treat cancer, and surgery is one of the most common options.
Surgery has been used to treat cancer for many years. For some people, it is the first and most important step in their treatment plan. In other cases, it is combined with other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.
What is cancer surgery?
Cancer surgery is when a doctor removes cancerous tissues from the body. This usually includes the tumor and a small amount of healthy tissue around it, called a margin. In some cases, nearby lymph nodes are sometimes removed to see if the cancer has spread.
The goal is to take out as much of the cancer as possible to stop it from growing or spreading.
Why is cancer surgery done?
Surgery is often one of the first steps in treating cancer, especially if the cancer hasn’t spread. Surgery can help your cancer care team learn more about your condition and may even remove all of the cancer.
Doctors may use surgery to:
- Diagnose cancer – A small piece of tissue, called a biopsy, may be taken during surgery to see if it’s cancer and what kind it is.
- Remove a tumor or suspicious growth – If the cancer is in one area, surgery can take out the tumor or suspicious growth.
- See how far the cancer has spread – Doctors may look at nearby tissues or lymph nodes to learn if the cancer has moved to other parts of your body.
- Relieve pain or other symptoms – If a tumor is causing problems like pressure, bleeding, or blocking part of the body, surgery can help you feel better.
Surgery may be done alone or combined with other cancer treatment options, as part of your treatment plan.
What types of surgery are used to treat cancer?
There are different types of surgical oncology procedures to treat cancer:
- Open surgeries: a larger cut is made to reach the tumor.
- Minimally invasive: using small cuts and special tools to access the tumor (laparoscopic or robotic-assisted)
- Robotic technology for more precision and faster recovery.
The type of surgery depends on the location, size and type of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health.
What to expect before and after surgery
Before cancer surgery, your care team will explain the procedure and how to prepare. After surgery, you may need time to rest and recover. Some patients go home the same day, while others stay in the hospital for a short time. Your doctor may also recommend treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy before or after surgery.
Is cancer surgery right for you?
Not all cancers can be treated with surgery alone, but it remains one of the most effective cancer treatment options when the disease is found early. If the cancer has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body, your doctor may recommend other options like:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapies
- Immunotherapy
At NGHS, your care team will work with you to build a personalized cancer treatment plan that fits with your diagnosis, goals and lifestyle.
Schedule your consultation
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, our expert surgical oncology team is here to help.
Facing cancer is never easy, but you are not alone. At Northeast Georgia Medical Center, we have expert surgeons and cancer specialists who will walk with you every step of the way. Your care team is here to answer questions, explain your options and give you the support you need.