When you think of cancer surgery, you might imagine a surgeon using a scalpel to remove the tumor. While that does happen in certain surgical settings, there are many other types of cancer surgery, too. Over the years, new innovations have helped develop surgery into one of the most practiced and advanced options available. Depending on the location and stage of your cancer – along with several other factors – your doctor may recommend any of the following:

• Preventative – The removal of precancerous or other at-risk tissue before it develops into cancer, such as skin moles or colon polyps.
• Diagnostic – Also known as a biopsy, this surgery is used to remove suspicious cells and tissue samples. They are then examined to help determine a cancer diagnosis.
• Staging – To help guide the treatment plan, staging allows doctors to see how much cancer is present and where it has spread. They’ll also examine nearby lymph nodes and organs.
• Curative – In the early stages of some cancers, doctors may be able to remove all of the malignant cells from a patient’s body. Curative surgery is often used in combination with chemotherapy and/or radiation.
• Debulking – To prevent damage to nearby organs and tissues, sometimes, only a portion of the tumor will be removed. This makes it easier to treat the remaining cancerous cells with chemotherapy or radiation.
• Palliative – Designed to alleviate pain and manage other symptoms, this is sometimes done when no other treatment options are available as part of a patient’s palliative care.
• Supportive – Offering a convenient way to deliver cancer treatment, supportive surgery helps make care easier for the doctor and for you. This may involve inserting devices under the skin to provide better access to your bloodstream, for example.
• Restorative – As a result of cancer surgery and treatment, your body’s physical appearance and function may be affected. Reconstructive procedures can help restore normalcy.