Surgical oncology plays a vital role in cancer treatment, involving the precise removal of cancerous tumors and surrounding affected tissue. While the specific procedures performed depend heavily on the type, location, and stage of cancer, certain operations are frequently carried out due to the prevalence of specific cancers or their effectiveness in treatment. These procedures are fundamental in the comprehensive management of cancer.
Key Surgical Procedures in Oncology
Many surgical interventions are designed to remove malignant growths, prevent their spread, or manage symptoms. Here are some of the significant and frequently performed surgical procedures in oncology:
| Surgical Procedure | Associated Cancer Types | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hysterectomy | Cervical, Ovarian, Uterine | Surgical removal of the uterus, often including the cervix. Depending on the extent, ovaries and fallopian tubes may also be removed (oophorectomy and salpingectomy) to address cancer spread or risk. |
| Laryngectomy | Laryngeal (Voice Box) | Removal of part or all of the larynx (voice box). This procedure aims to eliminate cancer while preserving as much function as possible, sometimes requiring the creation of a new airway. |
| Lobectomy | Lung | Surgical removal of one lobe of a lung. This is performed when cancer is localized to a specific lobe, allowing the remaining lung tissue to function and minimize impact on breathing. |
| Mastectomy | Breast | Removal of all or part of the breast. Different types exist, such as total (simple) mastectomy, which removes the entire breast, or partial (segmental) mastectomy (lumpectomy), which removes only the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue. |
These procedures are critical components of comprehensive cancer care, often combined with other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy to achieve the best possible outcomes. Surgical oncologists specialize in performing these intricate operations, aiming to eradicate the disease while preserving function and quality of life for the patient.
For more general information on cancer surgery, you can refer to resources from leading health organizations.
