• To relieve symptoms Some tumors produce mechanical problems in the body. If the tumor becomes large
enough to block some part of the gastrointestinal tract, food cannot move properly through the system. A large
tumor could also block the biliary tract so that bile could not get into the intestine. Or a tumor could press on a
nerve and cause pain. When the tumor cannot be removed safely, surgery can still be useful to bypass an
obstruction or relieve the compression on a nerve. This kind of surgery is referred to as palliative .
Other symptoms caused by tumors can also be palliated. A cancer of the stomach may bleed a lot, for
example. If the tumor is extensive and the presence of metastases makes surgery for cure impossible, the tumor
may still be removed solely to stop the bleeding. In that case the operation would be considered a palliative one. • To reconstruct or rehabilitate Removing an organ or tumor can sometimes produce some deformity or
functional problem. When that happens, surgery can often improve appearance, function and the quality of life.
Excellent techniques provide reconstruction for women who have had a radical mastectomy . There are also
ways to restore appearance and function after head and neck surgery.
It is not unusual for both doctor and patient to focus so sharply on treatment that they simply accept some
of the crippling results of major surgery and overlook alternatives that can improve the quality of life. So be
aware of this form of surgery and discuss the alternatives for reconstruction with your oncologist , surgeon or
other doctor involved in your treatment.
• To support chemotherapy and radiation therapy Surgery is often used to support other forms of
cancer therapy. If you need to have drugs administered intravenously, for example, you may have a port or catheter
