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.