Tumour Removal Surgery

Tumour removal surgery removes a cancer or suspicious growth, often with nearby tissue, to diagnose, control or treat disease.

It may be called cancer surgery or resection. The operation can remove the whole tumour, reduce tumour bulk, obtain tissue for examination, or address a problem such as blockage or bleeding. The amount removed depends on the organ involved, the tumour's location and whether preserving nearby function is possible.

Before surgery, the team reviews scans, blood tests, medicines and your general fitness. You may meet the surgeon, anaesthetist and specialist nurses. During the operation, anaesthesia is used; the surgeon reaches the tumour through an incision or, for some operations, small instrument openings. Removed tissue is examined in a laboratory.

Pain, tiredness, bruising, swelling, nausea, constipation and reduced appetite can occur after an operation. Their pattern depends on the procedure and anaesthetic. The team provides a pain plan and explains movement, wound care, food and drink, and medicines. Contact the surgical team promptly for increasing pain, fever, wound redness or discharge, persistent vomiting, new shortness of breath, chest pain, or heavy bleeding.

Surgery is considered alongside the cancer type, where it has developed, its extent, the features seen in samples and your overall health. A clear operative plan can be useful, but final information may change after removed tissue is examined. Some people have surgery alone; others are offered treatment before or after surgery to address cancer cells beyond the operation site.

Bring an up-to-date medicine list, including supplements and medicines that affect clotting. Follow the hospital's instructions about eating, drinking and washing before the operation. Arrange for a responsible adult to take you home when same-day discharge is planned, because anaesthetic medicines can affect judgement and coordination.

A multidisciplinary cancer team may discuss surgery when a tumour can be reached safely and removing or sampling it could guide care. Surgery can be part of care for cancers in many body areas, including melanoma, mouth cancer, small bowel cancer and osteosarcoma. It can also be considered when symptoms from a tumour need local treatment. Individual suitability is assessed rather than assumed.

You check in, change into a gown and have identity and consent checks. The anaesthetist discusses how you will be kept comfortable. After surgery, staff monitor breathing, circulation, pain and the wound. You move to a ward or recovery area, then leave hospital when your team is satisfied that you can recover safely with the planned support.

Recovery varies with the operation, the body area treated and whether reconstruction was needed. Early walking and breathing exercises may be encouraged to support circulation and lung function. Avoid lifting, driving and returning to work until your surgeon says these are appropriate. A follow-up visit is used to check healing and discuss the laboratory report.

Every operation has potential risks, including bleeding, infection, blood clots, reactions to anaesthesia, delayed wound healing and injury to nearby structures. The balance of benefit and risk is different for each operation. Ask which risks are most relevant to the organ being treated, whether a stoma or reconstruction is possible, and how urgent symptoms should be handled after discharge.

Depending on the diagnosis and treatment aim, alternatives can include monitoring, a needle or endoscopic biopsy, radiotherapy, systemic anti-cancer treatment or a procedure designed to relieve a symptom. Sometimes these are used before or after surgery. Your team can explain what each option can and cannot address in your situation.

Look for a team experienced with the organ and operation being discussed. At the consultation, ask who will perform the procedure, what support will be available after discharge, how results will be shared and who to contact outside clinic hours. Bringing a family member or written questions can make the discussion easier to follow.