What techniques are used in cancer surgery?
Many types of surgical methods for treating cancer and precancerous conditions exist, and new methods are constantly evolving. Some additional types of cancer surgery include:
Cryosurgery
During this type of surgery, your doctor uses very cold material, such as liquid nitrogen spray or a cold probe, to freeze and destroy cancer cells or cells that may become cancerous, such as irregular cells in a woman's cervix that could become cervical cancer.
Electrosurgery
By applying high–frequency electrical currents, your doctor can kill cancer cells, for example, in your mouth or on your skin.
Laparoscopic surgery
A surgeon uses a laparoscope to see inside your body without making large incisions. Instead, several small incisions are made and a tiny camera and surgical tools are inserted into your body. The surgeon watches a monitor that projects what the camera sees inside your body. The smaller incisions mean faster recovery and a reduced risk of complications. Laparoscopic surgery is used in cancer diagnosis, staging, treatment and symptom relief.
Image-guided surgery
In some instances, surgeons can rely on real–time images of your body to guide them when operating. MRI images allow the surgeon to be very precise, removing the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. Many other cancers can be treated using image–guided surgery. Other imaging techniques are used as well, including computerized tomography (CT) and ultrasound.
Robotic surgery
In robotic surgery, the surgeon sits away from the operating table and watches a screen that projects a 3–D image of the area being operated on. The surgeon uses hand controls that tell a robot how to maneuver surgical tools to perform the operation.
What can you expect before and after cancer surgery?
Preparation and healing from cancer surgery varies greatly based on the operation you're undergoing. But in general, you can expect certain similarities.
Preparation
In general, expect to undergo certain tests, such as blood tests, urine tests, X–rays and other imaging tests, in the days preceding your surgery. These tests will help your doctor assess your surgical needs, such as your blood type should you need a transfusion, and identify potential risks, such as infections, that may influence your surgery.
Anesthesia
If you're having surgery, you'll likely need some type of anesthetic—a medication that blocks the perception of pain. Your options for anesthesia will be based on what type of surgery you're receiving.
Recovery
Depending on your surgery, you may stay in the hospital for a time before going home. Your healthcare team will give you specific directions for your recovery, such as how to care for any wounds, what foods or activities to avoid, and what medications to take.