Surgery in Cancer Treatment

Question 1

What is the primary intent of using surgery in the treatment of cancer?

Answer 1

The primary intent is to remove localized tumors. If detected early enough, surgery may result in a cure.

Question 2

What does achieving clear margins mean in cancer surgery?

Answer 2

Clear margins, or negative margins, refer to removing the tumor along with sufficient adjacent tissue to ensure no cancer cells remain on the edges.

Question 3

How does cancer surgery differ from non-cancer surgeries regarding tissue impact?

Answer 3

Cancer surgeries often involve more extensive tissue removal & trauma to surrounding tissues to ensure clear margins.

Question 4

What is typically done with nearby lymph nodes during cancer surgery?

Answer 4

Nearby lymph nodes are usually removed & evaluated to check for cancer cells, which may require broadening the surgical field.

Question 5

What treatments typically follow surgery in cancer care?

Answer 5

Surgery is usually followed by radiation and/or chemotherapy to minimize the risk of stray cancer cells.

Question 6

What factors determine if a cancer is operable?

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

What are examples of cancers that are generally inoperable?

Answer 7

“Liquid” cancers such as leukemia & multiple myeloma are by definition inoperable.

Question 8

What considerations are involved in the risk/benefit analysis for cancer surgery?

Answer 8

Factors include the patient’s overall health, the location of the tumor, potential metastasis, & the patient’s goals & wishes.

Question 9

What is one diagnostic reason for using surgical procedures in cancer care?

Answer 9

Taking a biopsy to sample cells for microscopic evaluation is a standard diagnostic procedure in cancer care.

Question 10

What are some risks of biopsies in cancer diagnosis?

Answer 10

Biopsies can be uncomfortable, leave scars or internal adhesions, & may mobilize cancer cells into nearby tissues.

Question 11

What is the purpose of debulking surgery in advanced cancer cases?

Answer 11

Debulking surgery aims to remove operable tumors & reduce cancer activity to enhance the immune response & the effectiveness of cancer therapies.

Question 12

What is the goal of reconstructive surgery in cancer treatment?

Answer 12

The goal is to improve the appearance, shape, and functionality of tissues, often involving multiple procedures & various types of grafts or implants.

Question 13

What are some benefits of reconstructive surgery beyond functionality?

Answer 13

Reconstructive surgery can provide significant psychoemotional benefits for patients, enhancing their self-image and quality of life.

Question 14

What is the purpose of palliative surgery in cancer care?

Answer 14

Palliative surgery aims to ease suffering by removing tissues causing complications, alleviating pain, and correcting bleeding issues related to cancer.

Question 15

What is prophylactic surgery, and when is it used?

Answer 15

Prophylactic surgery is performed to prevent cancer, such as removing ovaries in individuals with a strong genetic predisposition to ovarian cancer.

Question 16

What are the advantages of laser surgery in cancer treatment?

Answer 16

Laser surgery requires smaller incisions, cauterizes blood vessels to minimize bleeding, and is often used for localized cancers, such as colon & cervical cancers.

Question 17

What is electrosurgery, & what is its main use in cancer treatment?

Answer 17

Electrosurgery uses electrical currents to cut, dissect, or destroy tissue & is particularly effective for coagulating bleeding tissues, commonly used for skin cancers.

Question 18

How does cryosurgery work, & what is it used for?

Answer 18

Cryosurgery uses liquid nitrogen to freeze-burn tissue and is used for localized tumors in areas like the liver, prostate, & cervix.

Question 19

What is photodynamic therapy & how does it function?

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

What is the purpose of the Gamma Knife in cancer treatment?

Answer 20

The Gamma Knife delivers a concentrated dose of radiation to treat tumors precisely, primarily used for brain cancers without needing to open the tissue.

Question 21

What is a Smart Scalpel & its advantages?

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

What is the purpose of placing drains in surgical sites?

Answer 22

Drains are used to evacuate accumulated blood, edema, exudate, or suppuration from enclosed surgical sites to reduce discomfort & optimize healing conditions.

Question 23

What are the key steps for caring for a surgical drain?

Answer 23

1. Empty the bulb when half full or every 8-12 hours.
2. Wash hands, remove the dressing (if applicable), and unplug the bulb.
3. Measure & record the fluid volume and date/time.
4. Clean the plug, replug the bulb, and check for clogs.

Question 24

What are some considerations for RMTs working with patients who have surgical drains?

Answer 24

Ensure hygiene, maintain distance from the skin opening, avoid wetting dressings, & manage drain tubing carefully during treatments.

Question 25

What is a common effect on the immune system after surgery, especially for cancer?

Answer 25

There is typically a drop in immune response for about a week post-surgery, increasing vulnerability to infections & complications.

Question 26

Why is there a higher infection risk in patients undergoing cancer surgeries?

Answer 26

The combination of surgical trauma, potential for reduced immune function (especially post-chemotherapy), & the presence of cancer cells increases infection vulnerability.

Question 27

What factors complicate the healing process following extensive cancer surgeries?

Answer 27

Blood vessel damage, lymph node removal, and surrounding tissue disruption can lead to delays in healing & increased risks of infection & bleeding.

Question 28

What are some coagulation issues that may arise in cancer patients?

Answer 28

Certain cancers can lead to either impaired clotting or increased clotting risks, especially following chemotherapy.

Question 29

What factors can lead to malnutrition in post-surgical cancer patients?

Answer 29

Nausea, appetite loss, direct effects of the cancer or its treatment, and cachexia in advanced stages can contribute to malnutrition.

Question 30

What factors contribute to fluctuations in healing responses for cancer patients?

Answer 30

The type & stage of cancer, previous treatments, & individual patient differences can lead to variable healing patterns, including potential setbacks.

Question 31

How do radiation and chemotherapy affect healing after cancer surgery?

Answer 31

These treatments can cause additional tissue damage, pain, & inflammation, complicating and delaying the healing process at surgical sites.