Are you aware of the current treatment methods for cancer in Japan?
To be honest, I have not kept track of how many different types of cancer treatment methods there are, even though both of my parents had cancer.
I have only looked into “surgical methods” and “side effects of different types of anti-cancer drugs,” as told to me by doctors, and I have never looked into anything other than the methods used for my own parents.
I think this time is a good opportunity for me.
Surgical Therapy
Surgery is one of the methods of cancer treatment that can aim for a radical cure.
The number of surgical methods has been increasing, and methods that are less burdensome on the patient’s body have emerged.
The following is a list of surgical methods.
- resection surgery
Surgery to remove the tumor and surrounding normal tissue. This is the most common surgical procedure for radical cure.
- local excision surgery
Surgery to remove only the tumor. It is often performed for early-stage or less advanced cancers.
2 Organ resection surgery
Surgery to remove not only the tumor but also the surrounding organs. This surgery is performed for highly advanced cancer or when the tumor has invaded the organs.
3 Dissection surgery
This is a surgery to remove lymph nodes. It is often performed in combination with resection surgery. Lymph nodes are the first place where cancer cells tend to metastasize, and therefore, the risk of recurrence can be reduced by performing lymph node dissection surgery.
4 Reconstructive surgery
This is a surgery in which other tissues are transplanted or artificial materials are used to compensate for functions lost due to surgery. For example, breast reconstruction surgery may be performed after mastectomy, or gastric reconstruction surgery may be performed after gastrectomy.
Indications for Resection Surgery
The resection surgeries listed above are not indicated for all types of cancer.
In general, it is indicated when the following conditions are met
The cancer has not yet progressed.
If the cancer has progressed to an advanced stage, resection surgery may be difficult or ineffective.
The patient is physically strong.
Surgery places a heavy burden on the patient, so it is considered difficult for an old patient who needs a certain level of physical strength.
Radical cure is expected.
Surgery is indicated when the cancer cells can be expected to be completely removed by ablative surgery.
Surgical Methods of Resection Surgery
The surgical procedure for resection surgery depends on the type of tumor, its degree of progression, and the patient’s condition. Typical surgical procedures are as follows
1 Open abdominal surgery
Surgery is performed through a large incision in the abdomen. This is the most commonly used method in conventional resection surgery.
2 Laparoscopic surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is performed by making several small holes in the abdomen and inserting a camera called a laparoscope. Compared to open abdominal surgery, laparoscopic surgery is characterized by smaller wounds and less postoperative pain.
3 Robot-assisted surgery
This surgery is performed using a robotic arm. It is more precise than laparoscopic surgery and is applied to complex cancer surgeries.
4 Nasal endoscopic surgery
Transnasal endoscopic surgery is performed by inserting an endoscope through the nose. It is applied to brain tumors and sinus tumors.
As described above, it has become clear that there are many types of incisional surgery.
Some surgeries can be performed depending on the degree of progression of the cancer, and some can be performed depending on the location of the cancer.
Advantages of Resection Surgery
Resection surgery has the following advantages
Aiming for radical cure
In the case of early detection and treatment, it may be possible to completely remove cancer cells by surgery. Complete removal means that a radical cure can be achieved.
Can be combined with other treatments
Can be combined with radiation therapy or chemotherapy to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
Can reduce the risk of recurrence.
Lymph node dissection can reduce the risk of recurrence.
Disadvantages of excisional surgery
Resection surgery has the following disadvantages. Let’s take a look at them.
Highly invasive
In the case of open surgery, there is a large scar and postoperative pain.
Risk of complications
Surgery may cause complications such as infection and bleeding.
There is a possibility of functional impairment.
Surgery may result in loss of organ function.
Points to keep in mind when undergoing resection surgery
When undergoing resection surgery, the following points should be noted.
Preoperative examination
Before surgery, imaging tests such as CT and MRI scans must be performed to accurately determine the size and location of the tumor.
Postoperative follow-up
After surgery, periodic examinations are required to check for recurrence or metastasis.
Psychological care
Since surgery places a heavy burden on the patient, psychological care is also important.
SUMMARY
Resection surgery is one of the most important methods of cancer treatment, aiming for a radical cure.
Recently, new surgical methods have been developed to reduce the burden on the body, thereby reducing the burden on the patient.
Like myself, when my father was diagnosed with cancer, I told him that if there was a possibility of a radical cure, I would choose “resection surgery,” but it was not possible due to his condition.
I understand that everyone wants to cure cancer, but it is important to understand that there are cases in which resection is possible and cases in which it is not.
