Читать книгу Fundamentals of Cancer Detection, Treatment, and Prevention - Surya K. De - Страница 42

It is the physical removal of cancer from the body. In some cases, this may be a simple outpatient procedure, requiring an hour or two in a specialist's office. In other cases, it may involve a major operation with a few nights in the hospital and intense therapy treatments afterward.

“Clear margins” is a term well known for its association with cancer surgery. When the cancerous tissue is taken out, it is ideal to have a “clear margin” (clear of cancerous matter) surrounding the affected area targeted during the surgery. Depending on the location of the cancer, specific measurements are used to define “clear” in this regard. Basically, since cancer cells may have been in contact with tissues around them, surgeons take a section of healthy tissue around the cancerous parts in order to be certain all of the cancer has been removed.

Preparation for cancer surgery varies depending on the procedure. The surgeon's office contacts patients well in advance to go over special instructions, not only for what to do beforehand, but also for what to expect on the day of surgery and during recovery afterward. Many large hospitals even provide cancer patients access to local networks offering counseling, housing, and other services for patients and their relatives during treatments.