With the increasing healthcare awareness, the number of cancer patients has also been elevating rapidly. There are a number of ways to treat cancer, like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and surgery.

Surgery is one of the radical and most commonly used methods to cure cancer. In this article, we will dive into the world of cancer and surgery, including how it works, its benefits, and the side effects of this procedure.

What is Cancer?

Cancer is an ailment caused by the abnormal growth of cells in the body. The cells divide uncontrollably and form tumors, which can affect the entire body system. The illness can be mild or severe, depending on the nature and state of the cancer.

It is often caused by a combination of factors such as genes, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.

How Does Surgery Work in Cancer Treatment?

Surgery is a method of cancer treatment that aims to remove the tumors and affected cells from the body. There are various types of cancer surgeries, depending on the severity and location of the cancer.

There are curative surgeries which remove tumors and cancerous cells, and palliative surgeries which aim to relieve the symptoms of cancer like pain, bleeding, and breathing difficulties.

To prevent any complications from surgery, doctors prescribe diagnostic methods like computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and biopsy tests to determine the exact location and stage of the cancer before the surgery. A cancer patient may undergo different surgeries depending on the type, location, and stage of their cancer. Some of the common types of cancer surgeries include:.

1. Local Excision

Local excision surgery pertains to the removal of a tumor alongside a small amount of surrounding non-cancerous tissues. This procedure is often used in cases where the tumor is small, localized, and has not affected other parts of the body.

2. Resection

Resection surgery is the most common cancer surgery. It involves the removal of the entire tumor along with nearby tissues, adjacent organs, and in some cases, the lymph nodes. This process aims to prevent the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.

3. Reconstruction

Reconstruction surgery is performed after resection surgery to rebuild or reshape the affected organ function or structure by tissue or implant replacement.

Benefits of Surgery in Cancer Treatment

1. Removal of Cancerous Growth: Removing the cancerous growth entirely is the main advantage of cancer surgery. It helps to prevent the spread of cancer to other parts of the body, which is called Metastasis.

2. Quick Relief: Depending on the state and location of the cancer, the patient may experience significant relief from the symptoms of cancer after surgery.

3. Life-saving: Cancer surgery can be life-saving, especially in cases where surgery is used to remove the tumor, thereby preventing its spread to other parts of the body.

Side effects of Surgery in Cancer Treatment

Like every medical procedure, cancer surgery also has its side effects:.

1. Pain: Pain is a common side effect of cancer surgery. Depending on the location of the surgery, the level of pain felt by the patient can vary significantly.

2. Risks of Infection: There is a risk of infection after every surgical procedure, which increases depending on the complexity of the surgery and the state of the patient’s health.

3. Bleeding: There is also a possibility of bleeding after the surgical procedure. In rare cases, if the bleeding is too much or cannot be controlled, it may require additional surgery to repair it.

4. Organ Damage: Depending on the location of the cancer and the complexity of the surgery, there is a possibility of organ damage, which may result in long-term or short-term complications.

Conclusion

Cancer is an alarming and life-threatening illness, which requires immediate and effective treatment. Surgery is a radical method of cancer treatment, which aims at completely removing the cancer growth and preventing metastasis.

It comes with a few side effects, but its benefits outweigh them. If you are diagnosed with cancer, you must consult your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for you.