• Primary Treatment: Surgery serves as the primary treatment for many types of cancer.
• Debulking: In cases where complete removal of the cancer is not feasible, surgeons may perform debulking surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible.
• Relieving Symptoms or Side Effects: Surgery is also employed to enhance quality of life by alleviating symptoms caused by cancer, such as pain from nerve or bone compression, or by removing obstructions like intestinal blockages caused by tumors.

Surgery is frequently combined with other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other modalities. The selection of treatments that are most suitable for you depends on the type of cancer, its stage, and your overall health.

How is cancer surgery typically performed?

In cancer surgery, the objective is to completely remove the cancerous tissue from the body. Using cutting instruments, the surgeon removes the cancer along with a margin of healthy tissue surrounding it.

Additionally, lymph nodes in the vicinity may be removed. These lymph nodes are examined to determine if they contain any cancer cells. If cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, it indicates a potential for further spread to other parts of the body.

What other techniques are used in cancer surgery?

Many other types of operations can be used to treat cancer. Researchers continue to look at new methods. Some other types of cancer surgery include:

• Cryosurgery: This procedure uses extremely cold substances like liquid nitrogen spray or a cold probe to freeze and eliminate cancer cells.
• Electrosurgery: Cancer cells are destroyed using an electric current in this type of surgery.
• Laser surgery: Beams of light are used to shrink or remove cancer cells.
• Mohs surgery: This precise method removes cancer layer by layer, examining each thin layer under a microscope until all cancerous tissue is removed. It's particularly suited for cancers in sensitive skin areas, such as around the eyes.
• Laparoscopic surgery: A minimally invasive approach where several small incisions are made instead of one large one. A tiny camera and surgical tools are inserted through these cuts, allowing the surgeon to view and remove cancer using a monitor. This method typically results in faster recovery and fewer post-surgery complications.
• Robotic surgery: During robotic surgery, the surgeon operates from a distance while viewing a 3D image of the surgical area on a screen. They control robotic surgical tools with precision to access and treat hard-to-reach areas. Robotic surgery often leads to quicker recovery and reduced post-operative issues.
• Natural orifice surgery: This technique involves operating on abdominal organs without making cuts through the skin. Instead, surgical instruments are inserted through natural openings like the mouth, rectum, or vagina.