No one can deny that surgery has come a long way in treating cancers. Many would say that surgery is now more critical than ever in the fight against cancer. But despite all of the advancements in surgical techniques and technology, some people are still under the impression that surgery is no longer necessary in treating cancers. Nothing could be further from the truth! This article will discuss why surgery is still an essential part of cancer treatment and Dr Sandra Krishnan sharing her views on how surgical treatment can help save lives.
Types of Cancer
There are many different types of cancer, and each one is unique. But despite the differences, there are still some commonalities between them. Most cancers can be treated with surgery. For instance, breast cancer surgery is one of the most common types of cancer surgery that involves the removal of breast tissue. This type of surgery is usually performed to prevent cancer from spreading to other body parts.
In addition, surgery is also used to treat other cancers, such as ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colon cancer. Surgery is often used with other treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. If you are diagnosed with cancer, your doctor will work with you to create the right treatment plan.
Surgeries to Treat Cancer
There are two main types of surgery used to treat cancer: local and systemic. Local surgery is used to remove the cancerous tumor and a small margin of healthy tissue surrounding it. This type of surgery is usually performed in an outpatient setting, and the recovery time is relatively short. On the other hand, systemic surgery is used to remove cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. This type of surgery is usually much more invasive, and the recovery time can be longer.
It is important to remember that surgery is just one part of cancer treatment. After surgery, you will likely need to undergo other treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. But despite all of the advancements in these other treatments, surgery remains an important part of cancer treatment.
Why Surgery is Still Important
There are many reasons why surgery is still an important part of cancer treatment. Here are some of the main reasons explained.
Removes the Entire Cancerous Tumor
One of the most important reasons surgery is still an important part of cancer treatment is that it allows doctors to remove the entire cancerous tumor. This is especially important for aggressive types of cancer, such as ovarian cancer and pancreatic cancer. There is a much lower risk of cancer returning by removing the entire tumor.
In addition, surgery also allows doctors to remove cancer that has spread to other body parts. This is especially important for treating aggressive types of cancer, such as ovarian cancer and pancreatic cancer.
Allows for Early Detection
Another reason why surgery is still important in treating cancers is that it allows for early detection. For instance, if a woman undergoes a preventive double mastectomy, it is more likely that any cancerous cells will be found and removed before they can spread. This early detection can make a big difference in the outcome of her treatment.
It is Efficient
Another reason why surgery is still an important part of cancer treatment is that it is efficient. In other words, it is often the quickest and most effective way to remove cancerous cells. This is especially important for aggressive types of cancer, such as ovarian cancer and pancreatic cancer.
It has a High Success Rate
Surgery is still considered the most effective way to treat cancer. It has a success rate of over 90 percent for treating cancers that have not spread to other body parts. This makes surgery one of the most successful cancer treatments available.
It is Often the Only Treatment Needed
In many cases, surgery is the only treatment needed to cure cancer. This is especially true for cancers that are caught early. For instance, You can often treat breast cancer detected in its early stages with a lumpectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the tumor. In many cases, no other treatment is needed.
Surgery has Fewer Side Effects than Other Treatments
Surgery also has fewer side effects than other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This is because surgery only targets the cancerous cells and does not damage healthy cells. This can help reduce the side effects of treatment and make it more tolerable for patients.
It is Not as Invasive as Other Treatments
Surgery is also not as invasive as other cancer treatments. This means that it does not require the use of large amounts of chemotherapy or radiation. This can make surgery a more attractive option for patients looking for a less invasive treatment option.
You can use it in Combination with Other Treatments
Surgery can also be combined with other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This can help improve the effectiveness of treatment and increase the chances of a cure.
When to Undergo Surgery
The decision to undergo surgery should be made by a team of doctors, including a surgeon, oncologist, and radiation therapist. This team will consider the type and stage of cancer and the patient’s overall health. Surgery is usually recommended for patients with early-stage cancers that have not spread to other body parts. It may also be recommended for patients with late-stage cancers that are not responding to other treatments.
Are There Drawbacks to Surgery?
While surgery is an effective cancer treatment, there are some drawbacks to consider. First, surgery can be expensive. Second, it can be riskier than other treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Finally, surgery can sometimes lead to complications, such as infection. However, these drawbacks should not deter patients from considering surgery as a treatment option.
Surgery is still an important part of treating cancer. It has a high success rate and is often the only treatment needed. Additionally, surgery has fewer side effects than other treatments and is less invasive. While there are some drawbacks to surgery, such as cost and risk, it should not deter patients from considering it as a treatment option. If you have cancer, talk to your doctor about whether surgery is right.
