🏥 Understanding Cancer Surgery: A Guide for Patients and Families
Cancer can be frightening, but knowing what to expect can help ease some of that fear. One of the most important and effective treatments for many cancers is surgery.
In this article, we explain — in simple terms — how cancer surgery works, and what you should know about surgery for:
Head and neck cancer
Breast cancer & oncoplastic surgery
Colorectal (bowel) cancer
Sarcoma (bone and soft tissue cancer)
Skin cancer
🔍 What Is Cancer Surgery?
Cancer surgery is a procedure where doctors remove a tumor (the cancer) from your body. It may involve removing:
The tumor
A small area of healthy tissue around it (called a “margin”)
Nearby lymph nodes to see if the cancer has spread
The main goals of surgery are to:
Cure the cancer when possible
Relieve symptoms (like pain or blockage)
Support other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy
🧠 1. Head and Neck Cancer Surgery
Head and neck cancers affect areas like the mouth, throat, tongue, voice box, and sinuses.
Types of surgery:
Tumor removal from the affected part (e.g., mouth or throat)
Neck dissection to remove lymph nodes
Voice box (larynx) or tongue removal in advanced cases
Reconstruction:
Surgeons often use tissue from other parts of the body to rebuild areas after surgery. This helps patients regain speech, swallowing, or facial appearance.
🎗 2. Breast Cancer & Oncoplastic Surgery
Surgery is usually the first step for breast cancer.
Types of surgery:
Lumpectomy (removing only the tumor)
Mastectomy (removing the whole breast)
Lymph node removal (to check for spread)
What is Oncoplastic Surgery?
It combines cancer removal with plastic surgery techniques to preserve or restore the natural look of the breast. It improves both the outcome and the patient’s confidence.
3. Colorectal Cancer (Bowel Cancer) Surgery
This involves cancers in the colon or rectum.
Surgical options:
Colectomy (removing part or all of the colon)
Proctectomy (removal of the rectum)
Sometimes a temporary or permanent stoma (opening on the abdomen) is needed
👨⚕️ Minimally invasive surgery:
Techniques like laparoscopic or robotic surgery allow faster recovery and less pain.
4. Sarcoma Surgery (Bone & Soft Tissue Cancer)
Sarcoma is a rare cancer that starts in bones, muscles, fat, or connective tissue.
🚨 Why surgery is critical:
Sarcomas tend to grow deep and silently
Surgery is often the only chance for a cure
Surgical focus:
Removing the tumor completely, often with nearby tissues
Limb-sparing surgery: Surgeons now try to avoid amputation and reconstruct the affected arm or leg using advanced techniques
In some cases, plastic surgery or prosthetics are needed to restore function
5. Skin Cancer Surgery
Most skin cancers (like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma) are treated with surgery.
Common procedures:
Excisional surgery: Cutting out the tumor with a safety margin
Mohs surgery: A special technique where the surgeon removes the cancer layer by layer, checking under a microscope until no cancer cells remain — great for the face or sensitive areas
Reconstructive skin grafts or flaps may be needed for larger cancers
Early detection matters:
Most skin cancers are highly curable if found and treated early — that’s why regular skin checks are important!
👥 The Team Behind the Surgery
Cancer surgery isn’t done in isolation. It’s guided by a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), which includes:
Surgeons
Oncologists (cancer doctors)
Radiologists
Pathologists
Nurses, therapists, and psychologists
Together, this team ensures you receive a personalized treatment plan, combining surgery with other treatments if needed (like chemotherapy or radiation).
🧘♀️ Life After Surgery
Recovery isn’t just about healing the body — it’s also about:
Regaining function
Coping with changes in appearance
Managing emotions
Support is available from:
Rehabilitation teams (physio, speech therapy)
Support groups
Counseling
Nutrition experts
📌 Final Thoughts
Cancer surgery plays a major role in treating many types of cancer — from removing small skin tumors to complex operations for bone or bowel cancer. Thanks to modern advances, surgery today is safer, more precise, and often combined with techniques to preserve how you look and feel.
If you or a loved one is facing cancer surgery:
Don’t hesitate to ask questions
Learn about your options
Consider getting a second opinion
Trust in the team-based approach
The right care — from the right team — can make all the difference.
At Cancer Care .lk we offer you the best clinicians and surgeons who can offer the best surgical and oncological management for your condition.Please reach out and book a session with us today.