Corel Medical Series: Cancer/Corel Medical Series: Cancer.iso/mac/Program/p05.dxr/00074_Field_SRC.p05.A.7.txt

Text File | 1997-01-28 | 2KB | 19 lines

  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, catheter or
  pump surgically implanted. Ports and catheters are implanted under local anesthetic in an operating room,
  although general anesthetic can be given to people who prefer less discomfort.