Surgery in Cancer Treatment Flashcards
What is the primary intent of using surgery in the treatment of cancer?
The primary intent is to remove localized tumors. If detected early enough, surgery may result in a cure.
What does achieving clear margins mean in cancer surgery?
Clear margins, or negative margins, refer to removing the tumor along with sufficient adjacent tissue to ensure no cancer cells remain on the edges.
How does cancer surgery differ from non-cancer surgeries regarding tissue impact?
Cancer surgeries often involve more extensive tissue removal & trauma to surrounding tissues to ensure clear margins.
What is typically done with nearby lymph nodes during cancer surgery?
Nearby lymph nodes are usually removed & evaluated to check for cancer cells, which may require broadening the surgical field.
What treatments typically follow surgery in cancer care?
Surgery is usually followed by radiation and/or chemotherapy to minimize the risk of stray cancer cells.
What factors determine if a cancer is operable?
The operability of a cancer depends on the tumor’s location & the risks to normal tissue, as well as the patient’s overall health status.
What are examples of cancers that are generally inoperable?
“Liquid” cancers such as leukemia & multiple myeloma are by definition inoperable.
What considerations are involved in the risk/benefit analysis for cancer surgery?
Factors include the patient’s overall health, the location of the tumor, potential metastasis, & the patient’s goals & wishes.
What is one diagnostic reason for using surgical procedures in cancer care?
Taking a biopsy to sample cells for microscopic evaluation is a standard diagnostic procedure in cancer care.
What are some risks of biopsies in cancer diagnosis?
Biopsies can be uncomfortable, leave scars or internal adhesions, & may mobilize cancer cells into nearby tissues.
What is the purpose of debulking surgery in advanced cancer cases?
Debulking surgery aims to remove operable tumors & reduce cancer activity to enhance the immune response & the effectiveness of cancer therapies.
What is the goal of reconstructive surgery in cancer treatment?
The goal is to improve the appearance, shape, and functionality of tissues, often involving multiple procedures & various types of grafts or implants.
What are some benefits of reconstructive surgery beyond functionality?
Reconstructive surgery can provide significant psychoemotional benefits for patients, enhancing their self-image and quality of life.
What is the purpose of palliative surgery in cancer care?
Palliative surgery aims to ease suffering by removing tissues causing complications, alleviating pain, and correcting bleeding issues related to cancer.
What is prophylactic surgery, and when is it used?
Prophylactic surgery is performed to prevent cancer, such as removing ovaries in individuals with a strong genetic predisposition to ovarian cancer.
What are the advantages of laser surgery in cancer treatment?
Laser surgery requires smaller incisions, cauterizes blood vessels to minimize bleeding, and is often used for localized cancers, such as colon & cervical cancers.
What is electrosurgery, & what is its main use in cancer treatment?
Electrosurgery uses electrical currents to cut, dissect, or destroy tissue & is particularly effective for coagulating bleeding tissues, commonly used for skin cancers.
How does cryosurgery work, & what is it used for?
Cryosurgery uses liquid nitrogen to freeze-burn tissue and is used for localized tumors in areas like the liver, prostate, & cervix.
What is photodynamic therapy & how does it function?
Photodynamic therapy involves injecting a light-sensitive drug into malignant cells, which, when exposed to laser light, creates toxic oxygen to kill cancer cells with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.
What is the purpose of the Gamma Knife in cancer treatment?
The Gamma Knife delivers a concentrated dose of radiation to treat tumors precisely, primarily used for brain cancers without needing to open the tissue.
What is a Smart Scalpel & its advantages?
The Smart Scalpel is a new type of surgical tool that detects abnormal proteins or cancer elements, allowing for precise targeting of cancer tissues during surgery.
What is the purpose of placing drains in surgical sites?
Drains are used to evacuate accumulated blood, edema, exudate, or suppuration from enclosed surgical sites to reduce discomfort & optimize healing conditions.
What are the key steps for caring for a surgical drain?
- Empty the bulb when half full or every 8-12 hours.
- Wash hands, remove the dressing (if applicable), and unplug the bulb.
- Measure & record the fluid volume and date/time.
- Clean the plug, replug the bulb, and check for clogs.
What are some considerations for RMTs working with patients who have surgical drains?
Ensure hygiene, maintain distance from the skin opening, avoid wetting dressings, & manage drain tubing carefully during treatments.
What is a common effect on the immune system after surgery, especially for cancer?
There is typically a drop in immune response for about a week post-surgery, increasing vulnerability to infections & complications.
Why is there a higher infection risk in patients undergoing cancer surgeries?
The combination of surgical trauma, potential for reduced immune function (especially post-chemotherapy), & the presence of cancer cells increases infection vulnerability.
What factors complicate the healing process following extensive cancer surgeries?
Blood vessel damage, lymph node removal, and surrounding tissue disruption can lead to delays in healing & increased risks of infection & bleeding.
What are some coagulation issues that may arise in cancer patients?
Certain cancers can lead to either impaired clotting or increased clotting risks, especially following chemotherapy.
What factors can lead to malnutrition in post-surgical cancer patients?
Nausea, appetite loss, direct effects of the cancer or its treatment, and cachexia in advanced stages can contribute to malnutrition.
What factors contribute to fluctuations in healing responses for cancer patients?
The type & stage of cancer, previous treatments, & individual patient differences can lead to variable healing patterns, including potential setbacks.
How do radiation and chemotherapy affect healing after cancer surgery?
These treatments can cause additional tissue damage, pain, & inflammation, complicating and delaying the healing process at surgical sites.
