Tumour excision

Tumour Excision: Overview

Tumour excision is one of the most common treatments for cancer, and is used to remove tumours and to prevent or stop the spread of cancer cells. This procedure is often called “debulking” because the goal is to remove as much of the tumour as possible. Excision may be done with surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.

Types of Tumour Excision

There are several types of tumour excision depending on the type and size of the tumour. These include:

• Lumpectomy - involves the removal of only the tumour and a small margin of healthy tissue around it.
• Partial Mastectomy – involves the removal of a larger portion of the breast and some surrounding tissues or lymph nodes.
• Total Mastectomy – involves the removal of the entire breast including the chest wall. This is often done in cases of advanced cancer.
• Biopsy – involves the removal of a small sample of the tumour for further examination.
• Radiation therapy – involves the use of radiation to target and kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy – involves the use of drugs to target and kill cancer cells.

Benefits of Tumour Excision

The primary benefit of tumour excision is that it can remove or reduce the size of a tumour and stop or slow the spread of cancer. This can improve the prognosis for the patient and increase their chance of recovery.

Complications and Risks of Tumour Excision

While tumour excision is considered to be a safe procedure, there are some risks involved. Common risks include bleeding, infection and scarring of the area. In rare cases, it may also cause nerve damage or organ dysfunction.

It is important to discuss any potential risks and complications with your doctor before the procedure.