Cancer Surgery
The best thing to do if you have to have surgery for cancer is to prepare yourself, both physically and mentally. Take natural protectors and immune boosters such as: omega3, ginger, garlic, aloe Vera, curcumin and reservatrol. Go into a health shop and ask them what they recommend and of course, talk to your doctor and oncologist. They will all give you excellent advice. Sometimes there isn´t time for you to do this but where possible it is really beneficial.
Wherever possible, caner will be removed by surgery. The growth will be removed, as will the surrounding tissue in case the cancer has spread into the cells.
Before Cancer Surgery
Before surgery the hospital will arrange for a series of tests to be carried out. These tests include a chest x-ray, an electrocardiogram (ECG) to test your heart rate, kidney functioning tests and blood tests. These will normally be done at a pre-operative appointment.
How is Cancer Surgery Performed?
Before the operation, staging will normally be done. The cancer will be measured to try to determine whether or not it has spread to other parts of the body. This process may also be carried out whilst the operation is being performed. Information about the cancer is necessary to help plan what course of treatment is best for the patient.
Sometimes it is possible to remove a tumour with keyhole surgery; this is known as a laparoscopy. Only a small incision is required which means a smaller wound and less recovery time is needed. This method is sometimes used on people whose health prevents them from being able to withstand a major surgical operation.
Surgical operations are the usual way to remove tumours. The surgeon will also remove a surrounding area of healthy tissue to try to alleviate risks of spreading. He may also take some lymph nodes from close to the site as this is the most common place that it would spread to. Analysis of the lymph nodes can tell the surgeon about the risk of spreading and help him to work out a course of treatment for the patient.
Reconstruction is an operation which can be carried out to rebuild parts of the body.
- Breast reconstruction can be done after a mastectomy or lumpectomy to remove a breast tumour.
- Facial reconstruction will be carried out after removal of facial tumours.
- Bladder reconstruction is sometimes possible to replace a bladder that has been removed.
These procedures are carried out by a plastic surgeon.
After your Cancer Surgery
You could experience pain, this is normal and you will be prescribed painkillers to reduce or alleviate it. Breathing and leg exercises will be encouraged by physiotherapists to try and prevent blood clots forming in your legs or lungs. You could possibly be put onto antibiotics to prevent any infection and you may also have to be put on drains that are used to draw fluid away and will be removed after a time.
Could there be Complications?
Most people have no long term complications after cancer surgery but everyone differs and no one is able to accurately predict what will happen. The main thing is to try not to worry. This sounds difficult to do but remember you have a very experienced surgeon heading a team of dedicated hospital staff who are used to dealing with cases exactly like yours. Do talk to your surgeon and ask him questions. If you forget them when you see him, write them down so that you remember, he will be happy to answer all of your questions about cancer surgery and try to rid you of any worries.