Also called: an operation
Surgery is a medical procedure to remove or repair tissue. Tissue may be removed to find out if it is cancerous (biopsy) or to treat cancer. It is the oldest form of cancer treatment and is still the main treatment for many types of cancer. Surgery is also used:
- to lower the risk of developing certain types of cancer
- to restore function or appearance
- to relieve symptoms such as bleeding or pain caused by tumours
More than half of all people with cancer will have some type of surgery. Surgery is most often used to treat solid tumours. Surgery may be the only therapy required or part of a combined approach to cancer treatment. There are many different surgical techniques and procedures used in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Tests are usually done before surgery to see if a person is fit enough to have an operation and to help plan the surgery. An anesthetic is usually used during surgery. The surgeon may not know the full extent of the cancer until they operate.
Recovery after surgery depends on the type of surgical procedure, extent of surgery and other factors. Everyone will tolerate the procedure differently. Follow-up is done after surgery to see how the person is recovering and to discuss further treatment if needed.