Cancer treatment has made remarkable advancements over the years, with surgery remaining a cornerstone for many types of cancer. Surgical intervention plays a vital role not only in removing tumors but also in diagnosing, staging, and preventing cancer from spreading.
As a Consultant Cancer Surgeon in Latur, Dr. Priyanka Rathod offers expert surgical care for various types of cancer, helping patients take the right steps toward recovery.
Role of Surgery in Cancer Treatment
Cancer surgery involves the physical removal of a tumor and surrounding tissue, and in some cases, nearby lymph nodes. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, surgery may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or targeted treatments.
Surgery is most effective for solid tumors that are localized—meaning they have not yet spread extensively to other parts of the body.
Common Types of Cancer Treated with Surgery
1. Breast Cancer
Surgery is often the first-line treatment for early-stage breast cancer. Common procedures include:
- Lumpectomy: Removal of the tumor while preserving breast tissue.
- Mastectomy: Removal of one or both breasts, partially or completely.
- Lymph Node Dissection: To check if cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Breast reconstruction may also be performed after mastectomy, either immediately or later.
2. Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer, involving the colon or rectum, is frequently managed with surgery:
- Colectomy: Removal of the cancerous part of the colon.
- Proctectomy: Removal of the affected rectal segment.
Surgery may be followed by chemotherapy depending on the stage and lymph node involvement.
3. Lung Cancer
In early stages, lung cancer may be treated surgically with procedures such as:
- Lobectomy: Removal of a lobe of the lung.
- Pneumonectomy: Complete removal of one lung, in advanced but still operable cases.
Minimally invasive techniques like video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) are also used.
4. Ovarian and Uterine Cancer
Gynecologic cancers often require surgery for both treatment and staging. Procedures may include:
- Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus (for uterine cancer).
- Oophorectomy: Removal of ovaries (for ovarian cancer).
- Debulking Surgery: Removal of as much tumor as possible to improve outcomes when complete removal isn’t feasible.
5. Head and Neck Cancers
Surgical intervention is crucial in certain cancers of the oral cavity, throat, thyroid, and salivary glands. These procedures aim to:
- Remove the tumor while preserving essential functions like speech and swallowing.
- Address lymph node involvement.
6. Skin Cancer (Melanoma and Non-Melanoma)
Early-stage skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are effectively treated with:
- Excisional Surgery: Removing the cancerous lesion with clear margins.
- Mohs Surgery: A tissue-sparing technique useful for facial skin cancers.
Melanomas often require wider excisions and lymph node assessment.
7. Kidney and Bladder Cancer
Surgical removal of tumors from the urinary system includes:
- Nephrectomy: Removal of the affected kidney (partial or complete).
- Cystectomy: Removal of part or all of the bladder in advanced cases.
These may be combined with reconstruction techniques or urinary diversion procedures.
Other Cancers Where Surgery is Beneficial
- Esophageal and stomach cancer: Removal of part or all of the affected organ.
- Pancreatic cancer: Whipple procedure in selected cases.
- Prostate cancer: Radical prostatectomy in localized cancer.
- Sarcomas: Soft tissue and bone tumors are typically treated with surgical excision.
When is Surgery Not Recommended?
Surgical treatment is not suitable when:
- Cancer has spread extensively (metastasized).
- The patient’s general health doesn’t support anesthesia or recovery.
In such cases, non-surgical options like chemotherapy, radiation, or palliative care are considered.
Minimally Invasive and Advanced Techniques
With evolving technology, many cancer surgeries are now done using laparoscopic or robotic-assisted methods, offering:
- Smaller incisions
- Less postoperative pain
- Quicker recovery time
- Better cosmetic outcomes
Dr. Priyanka Rathod utilizes these techniques where appropriate to ensure precision, safety, and comfort for her patients.
Surgical intervention remains a powerful and often curative treatment for many types of cancer. The success of surgery depends on early diagnosis, proper staging, and expert surgical execution.
If you or your loved one is diagnosed with cancer, consult Dr. Priyanka Rathod, an experienced Cancer Surgeon in Latur, to understand the best surgical options available. Timely intervention can make all the difference in outcomes.
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