Tumor resection

Tumor resection is a common surgical procedure used to remove all or part of a cancerous organ or tissue. This treatment is effective for many cancer types, including but not limited to brain, lung, and liver cancers. To improve the chances of completely removing the cancer, your surgeon may also remove nearby lymph nodes (part of the body’s immune system) or healthy tissue around the tumor.

The type of surgeon performing the resection depends on the cancer’s location. For example, neurosurgeons treat brain tumors, thoracic surgeons treat lung tumors, and hepatobiliary surgeons treat liver cancer. Penn Medicine offers a team of experts dedicated to providing you with the most advanced tumor resection surgical techniques available.

Surgeons use different types of resection surgery to treat cancer and other conditions. Here are some common types of resection surgeries used to treat different tumors:

• Bladder tumors: Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) surgery removes tumors from the inner lining of the bladder. 
• Brain tumors: Brain resection surgery involves removing brain tumors or parts of the brain causing seizures. 
• Digestive system tumors: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are removed through partial intestine resection or abdominoperineal resection. 
• Liver cancer: Liver resection (hepatectomy) surgery removes cancerous, precancerous, or benign (noncancerous) tumors from the liver. 
• Sarcomas: Wide resection, also known as en block removal, is used to remove sarcomas. 
• Spine tumors: Resection surgery is used to treat both benign and cancerous spine tumors, such as meningiomas, neurofibromas, and schwannomas.

You may be a good candidate for tumor resection surgery if:

• Your tumor is in a location that can be safely removed. 
• Your overall health allows for surgery. 
• The cancer hasn’t spread to other parts of your body.

Talk to your doctor to determine if you’re a good candidate for tumor resection surgery.

Tumor resection surgery is performed under general anesthesia, meaning you’ll be asleep during the procedure. The specific surgical approach depends on the type, size, and location of your tumor.

The surgical process typically involves making incisions, removing the tumor and surrounding tissue, and closing the incisions. You’ll be monitored closely by your care team throughout the surgery. Your surgeon may use one of the following surgical resection methods:

• Open resection: This traditional method involves a single, large incision to access the tumor. It may be used to remove large or complex tumors. 
• Laparoscopic resection: This minimally invasive technique uses several small incisions, a small camera (laparoscope), and surgical instruments inserted through the small incisions. A slightly larger cut, about two inches long, is made to remove the tumor and any other tissue. 
• Robotic resection: This minimally invasive procedure uses robotic tools and advanced computer technology for tumor removal. Only surgeons with specialized training and experience in robotic surgery can perform these procedures.

Your recovery time will depend on the type of surgery you have and the size of the tumor. You’ll likely stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery. For more complex procedures, your recovery may take several weeks. To help you get back to your normal activities as soon as possible, your care team may recommend physical or rehabilitation therapy.

For many cancers, surgery is often the primary treatment and offers significant benefits. However, it also carries some risks. Your care team will discuss the following potential complications with you before surgery:

• Pain 
• Infection 
• Scarring 
• Complications from anesthesia 
• Allergic reactions to medications 
• Heavy bleeding or blood clots 
• Injury to nearby organs

Experts in complex tumor resection surgery

Penn Medicine diagnostic specialists analyze scans and tissue samples to determine the best diagnosis and treatment plan. When your care team recommends tumor resection surgery for cancer, you can count on: 

• Expertise: Our surgeons excel in complex, multi-organ tumor resection surgeries for a variety of cancers, treating hundreds of patients each year. We work to remove the least amount of tissue possible to minimize the chance of cancer recurrence while preserving your quality of life.  
• Collaboration: Many cancers need additional treatment to help prevent a recurrence. To ensure the most comprehensive care and best long-term outcomes, all cases go before a weekly tumor board for review. At these meetings, specialists from multiple disciplines, including surgeons, pathologists, and medical oncologists, work together to determine the best recommendations for your care. 
• Patient-centered approach: Your care is our top priority. We work closely with you to make decisions about your treatment that consider your overall health, lifestyle, and goals. Our nurse navigators help guide you through the challenges of cancer treatment. We also offer support services, such as counseling, rehabilitation, and support groups.