Cancer surgery: What to expect?
Cancer Surgery: What To Expect?
Introduction
Annually the registered number of cancer cases in India is around 7 lakhs. It is estimated that there could be around 1.3 million cases occurring annually. A significant percentage of these cases require surgery as a form of treatment. Here is a detailed look at additional information on cancer surgery: what to expect after surgery? This will help in a clearer understanding of procedure and the stages that require surgery.
When Is Surgery Require For Cancer?
To understand more about cancer surgery: what to expect? It is necessary to know the stages or types of cancer that may require surgery as a treatment. Surgery is required in one of the following circumstances:
- Removal of tumor – Known as curative surgery, this is required when the cancer is localized and has not spread. This is applicable for early-stage breast, colon, or lung cancer.
- Diagnosis of cancer – Known as biopsy, this is required when imaging or other tests that may have indicated cancer, but require confirmation.
- Determination of present stage of cancer – This is necessary to assess the size, spread, or the involvement of the lymph node.
- Treatment of symptoms– Known as palliative, this surgery is performed when cancer cannot be cured. It is to manage the symptoms, like removal of blockages in the intestines, manage pain from tumors that exert pressure on organs.
- Preventive surgery – Also known as preventive or prophylactic surgery, this is carried out when there is a risk of cancer development. For instance, removal of ovaries.
Surgery is performed when the cancer is considered as not too advanced or when it has not spread to critical areas. The patient needs to be fit to undergo surgery.
Quick Overview Of Cancer Surgery
Here is a quick overview of surgery in continuation of the understanding of cancer surgery: what to expect? As the name suggests, this surgery is a treatment involving removal of tumor that is cancerous from the body. There are multiple goals, as outlined in previous section above.
The different types of cancer surgery include the following:
- Curative surgery – Involves complete removal of tumor.
- Debulking surgery – Involves partial removal of tumor when complete removal is not safe.
- Minimally invasive surgery – Involves use of small incisions to perform the procedure, such as laparoscopic surgery.
- Reconstructive surgery – Focused on restoration of appearance, or function, for instance breast reconstruction.
Cancer surgery is effective for localized cancers, and is very often the first-line treatment. It comes with risks such as pain, infection, bleeding, scarring, and possible changes in certain body functions. Recovery after surgery will depend on the type of surgery. It typically involves wound care and managing side effects. Typically, surgery is combined with other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation for best outcomes.
What Is Breast Cancer?
It is necessary to have a clear idea about breast cancer as part of learning on cancer surgery: what to expect? This refers to a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the breast, especially the ducts carry milk to the nipple, or the glands that produce milk. This is because of uncontrollable cell growth that results in formation of a tumor. This could be either benign or malignant.
Different types of breast cancer
The different types of breast cancer include the following:
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.
- Invasive Lobular Carcinoma.
- Ductal Carcinoma In Situ.
- Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.
- HER2-Positive Breast Cancer.
Symptoms of breast cancer
Common symptoms of breast cancer include the following:
- Formation of lump either in the breast or armpit.
- Noticeable changes in breast. This could be size, shape, or texture.
- Abnormal discharge from the nipple or inversion.
- Changes in the skin such as dimpling or reddish appearance.
Diagnosis of breast cancer
This includes screening through mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRIs. Additionally, a biopsy may be performed by removing tissue for lab analysis. Advanced genetic testing facilities in Tamilnadu offer testing for hereditary risks of cancer.
What To Expect After Cancer Surgery?
A common question among patients and caregivers is about cancer surgery: what to expect? Here is a rundown of the post operative care and actions.
- Post surgery – Immediately after the procedure, and depending on the complexity, hospital stay may be required for few days. These stays are shorter for minimally invasive procedures. Pain and some sort of discomfort is likely to be experienced at the site of surgery, which is usually managed with medications. Drains may be connected to remove fluid and are temporary.
- Recovery – During recovery, it will be necessary to take care of the wound to prevent infection. Minimal movement is recommended to avoid blood clots and to improve circulation. Dietary modifications may also be suggested.
- Side effects – Are a possibility and include swelling and bruising in the site of surgery.
- Long-term effects – The patient may experience mood swings. Rehabilitation may also be required, especially physical therapy to restore strength and support function.
What Are The Different Options For Cancer Treatment?
With the above information, it is time to look at options for cancer treatment as part of understanding cancer surgery: what to expect? Different approaches include:
- Surgery – to remove the tumor.
- Chemotherapy – to kill or prevent growth of cancer cells with drugs.
- Radiation therapy – to destroy cancer cells through high energy radiation.
- Immunotherapy – to boost the immune system.
- Targeted therapy – to target specific genes, proteins, that contribute to spread of cancer.
- Hormone therapy – to block or remove hormones that contribute to growth of certain cancers.
- Stem cell/bone marrow transplant – to replace damaged bone marrow with healthy cells.
- Precision medicine – relying on genetic testing for personalized treatment.
How Will The Health Care Team Support After Surgery?
Healthcare teams help to manage overall care and include the following:
- Post-surgical monitoring – of vital signs, wound care, and pain management.
- Rehabilitation support – to restore movement and strength.
- Symptoms and side effects management – of post-surgical issues such as fatigue, swelling, or digestive problems.
- Emotional and psychological support – to cope with anxiety, depression, or appearance concerns.
- Long-term follow-up – to monitor for signs of cancer recurrence.
- Planning additional treatments – such as follow-up treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy.
Related Blogs :
Shetty B s a cardiologist in Chennai, with extensive experience in the field. He completed his MBBS from Madurai Kamaraj University, followed by an MD in General Medicine and a DM in Cardiology from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (TNMGRMU).