Types Of Cancer Surgeries: Pros, Side Effects, And Their Role In Cancer Treatment — Manipal Hospitals
Cancer is a formidable adversary, and its treatment demands a multi-pronged approach. Among the various modalities available, cancer surgery, or surgical oncology, stands as a crucial pillar in the fight against this relentless disease. It’s important to acquire proper knowledge about cancer surgeries their purpose, types, advantages, potential side effects and their indispensable role in cancer treatment. Also, it’s significant to explore the specific procedures such as brain tumour surgery, and the Whipple procedure, and discuss the accessibility of cancer treatment in Goa.
What is Cancer Surgery?
Cancer surgery, also referred to as surgical oncology, is a specialized field of surgery dedicated to the removal of cancerous tumours or affected tissues from the body. Its primary aim is to either eradicate the cancer or reduce its size and severity. Often, surgery is employed alongside other cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy to offer the best prospects for remission or cure.
Why is Cancer Surgery Done?
Cancer surgery serves several vital purposes, contingent upon the type, stage, and location of the cancer. Its primary objectives encompass:
- Curative Surgery
This type of surgery is undertaken with the intent of entirely removing the cancerous tumour, providing a potential cure for the patient.
- Debunking Surgery
Debunking surgery involves removing a portion of a tumour when complete removal is not feasible, primarily to alleviate symptoms or enhance the effectiveness of subsequent treatments.
- Palliative Surgery
Palliative surgery is performed to alleviate symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life, particularly when curing the cancer is not a viable option.
- Diagnostic Surgery
Diagnostic surgery entails the extraction of a tissue sample, known as a biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis and ascertain the extent of the cancer.
Types of Cancer Surgeries
Here are 14 types of cancer surgeries performed to treat cancer patients:
1. Brain Tumour Surgery
- Brain tumour surgery is a highly specialized procedure aimed at removing tumours in the brain and central nervous system.
- The objective is to maximize tumour removal while preserving healthy brain tissue to minimize neurological impairments.
- Advanced techniques like image-guided navigation and intraoperative MRI are often employed.
2. Whipple Procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy)
- The Whipple procedure is a complex surgical intervention utilized for pancreatic cancer, especially when the tumour is located in the head of the pancreas.
- It involves the meticulous removal of the pancreatic head, the duodenum, and adjoining structures.
- The intricacies of this surgery necessitate a proficient surgical team.
3. Mastectomy
- Mastectomy entails the surgical removal of one or both breasts.
- It is frequently performed in the treatment or prevention of breast cancer.
- Options for breast reconstruction may be discussed with patients.
- Consult a top oncology hospital if you want to know more about the side effects of surgery based on the types of cancer and other factors.
