Breast cancer surgery aims to remove cancerous tissue and may involve breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy, depending on the diagnosis. The choice depends on tumour size and location, cancer stage, breast characteristics and the wider treatment plan. A specialist discusses suitable options, potential benefits and recovery expectations with the patient.
Breast-conserving surgery removes the cancer and a surrounding margin of tissue while preserving as much of the breast as appropriate. It may be suitable for selected patients and is often considered alongside other cancer treatments. Eligibility depends on the tumour, imaging findings and the patient's overall treatment plan.
Oncoplastic breast surgery combines cancer removal with techniques intended to maintain or improve breast shape. It may be considered when breast-conserving surgery is appropriate. Planning takes account of the location and amount of tissue removed, the patient's preferences and any additional treatment required.
Mastectomy involves removing breast tissue to treat or reduce risk in selected clinical situations. Nipple-sparing mastectomy preserves the nipple and surrounding skin when it is medically appropriate. Suitability depends on the cancer's location, extent, skin and nipple involvement, and individual surgical assessment.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy helps assess whether breast cancer has spread to the first lymph nodes that drain the breast. The findings can inform staging and further treatment decisions. Whether this procedure is needed depends on the type and stage of cancer and the patient's clinical circumstances.
Gynaecological cancer surgery may be used to diagnose, stage or treat cancers affecting the ovaries, uterus, endometrium and related organs. The procedure depends on the cancer type and extent, the patient's general health and treatment goals. Care may involve coordination with medical and radiation oncology specialists.
Fertility-sparing surgery aims to treat selected cancers while preserving the possibility of future pregnancy where medically appropriate. It is not suitable for every cancer or stage. A specialist reviews the diagnosis, risk of recurrence, treatment alternatives and reproductive priorities before discussing this option.
Surgery for ovarian cancer may involve removing affected tissue and, where appropriate, reducing the amount of visible cancer. The surgical plan depends on the disease's extent, the patient's health and whether other treatments are required. Management is often coordinated with a multidisciplinary oncology team.
Cytoreductive surgery aims to remove as much visible cancer as safely possible in selected cases. It may be considered for certain cancers involving the abdominal cavity. The decision requires detailed evaluation of disease spread, potential surgical benefit, risks and the role of other treatments.
HIPEC involves delivering heated chemotherapy into the abdominal cavity during a selected cancer operation after surgical removal of visible disease. It is considered only for particular diagnoses and patients. A specialist team evaluates suitability, potential benefits, complications and alternative treatment approaches before recommending it.
PIPAC is a specialised technique that delivers chemotherapy as a pressurised aerosol into the abdominal cavity in selected cancer settings. It may be considered for certain patients under specialist oncology care. Its suitability depends on the diagnosis, disease extent, previous treatments and the treating team's assessment.
Robotic surgery uses specialised instruments controlled by a surgeon to perform selected operations. In appropriate cases, it may support precise movements and minimally invasive access. Whether a robotic approach is suitable depends on the cancer type, stage, anatomy, surgical goals and the experience of the treating team.