Surgery is one of the most common treatments for cancer. It can be used to diagnose and treat many different kinds of cancer.
What is cancer surgery?
During cancer surgery, your doctor will cut out or reduce the tumor in your body. They may also remove the area of your body that has cancer cells (like your breast or colon). Types of cancer commonly treated with surgery include:
- Brain cancer
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Neuroendocrine cancer
- Colon cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Skin cancer
- Gynecological cancers
Are there any risks or side effects of cancer surgery?
Cancer surgeries are very different depending on the cancer type and location. Side effects may include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Pain
- Not feeling hungry, or losing weight
Some cancer surgeries can cause new health problems.
- If an organ is removed or hurt during the surgery, it could stop doing the job it’s supposed to do
- You may be more likely to have a blood clot
Talk with your doctor to learn more about specific risks that may apply to you.
