Surgery is another method of treatment for all types of cancer, because in addition to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, getting rid of the tumor completely gives a better chance of a positive result.
Surgical treatment can be done in two ways:
- Complete removal of the tumor.
- Partial excision of the tumor.
The first method is used if a cancerous tumor has been diagnosed at an early stage, before it has spread to nearby tissues and organs. In this case, after surgery and whole tumor removal, doctors prescribe chemotherapy courses to destroy cancer cells. This helps avoid recurrence of the cancer.
Partial excision of a tumor is an operation which involves the removal of some parts of the tumor. This type of surgery is most often done at the later stages of cancer. Partial excision of the tumor improves the patient’s condition and enhances the effect of chemotherapy.
In some cases, depending on the size of the tumor and the risks of recurrence, doctors perform operations to remove an entire organ, such as removal of the breast or ovaries. Such surgeries can cause discomfort and disrupt the normal cycle of life, but are the most effective, and sometimes unavoidable, for maintaining health.
