The role of surgery in combinated treatment of cancers
Abstract
Surgery is the oldest and the most important treatment for cancer (75 – 80% patients presenting with cancer). Surgery is the simple, safe and the only treatment that could cure most patients (20% from 50% of 5 year survival).
Unfortunately, when patients with solid tumors present to the physician for the first time, about 50% already have micrometastases byeond the primary site.
The magnitude of surgical resection is modified by the use of adjuvant treatment modalities (radiotherapy, chemotherapy, biologic therapy – 50% of 5 year survival).
The role of surgery in the combinated treatment of cancer patients can be divided into a few separate areas:
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Definitive surgical treatment of primary cancer (operatio m. Halsted, m. Miles)
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Cytoreductive surgery (to reduce the bulk of residual disease)
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Surgical resection of metastatic disease (40% of 5 year survival in pulmonary and hepatic metastases)
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Surgery for palliation and oncologic emergencies (the treatment of exsanguinating hemorrhage, perforation, the relief of pain)
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Diagnostic surgery for exact histologic diagnosis and precise staging when planning
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Surgery in cancer prevention (carcinoma “in situ”, treatment to prevent subsequent cancers)
Slides show the role of surgery in combinated treatment of cancers.