Cancer surgery with board-certified specialists

How it works

Surgery in cancer can serve several purposes: to diagnose (take a biopsy), to determine how far the disease has gone (staging), to remove the tumor completely, to shrink it when it cannot all be removed, or to relieve symptoms that affect quality of life (palliative surgery).

Surgery often does not stand alone: it can be combined with chemotherapy before (to shrink the tumor and make the operation easier) or after (to eliminate cells that might remain), and in certain cases with radiation therapy. The decision to operate — when and with which technique — is made after a complete evaluation with imaging studies and a biopsy.

Sources: NCI, "Surgery to Treat Cancer": https://www.cancer.gov/espanol/cancer/tratamiento/tipos/cirugia

Which types of cancer it is usually used for

• Almost any solid tumor may need surgery at some point: breast, gynecologic tumors (uterus, ovary, cervix), colon, stomach, skin, thyroid, among others.
• At the unit, gynecologic oncology surgically treats women's cancers (uterus, ovary, cervix, vulva), and oncologic procedures and biopsies are performed as each case requires.
• It is not the main treatment for blood cancers (leukemias, most lymphomas), which are treated with medicines.

What receiving this treatment at the unit is like

• Before: a complete pre-operative evaluation (blood tests, imaging, anesthesia assessment) and a clear explanation of the procedure, what it can achieve, and the alternatives. This is the time to resolve every question and sign the informed consent.
• On the day of surgery: fast as instructed, come with a companion, wear comfortable clothes, no jewelry or makeup; bring identification and previous studies.
• Afterward: the stay depends on the procedure — some surgeries are outpatient, others require days in the hospital. You receive instructions on wound care, activity, diet, and follow-up visits.
• Pathology result: the removed tissue is analyzed; that result (which takes days) guides the next steps of treatment.

Common side effects and how we help you through them

• Post-operative pain (controlled with prescribed pain relievers), swelling, tiredness during the first days or weeks.
• General risks of any surgery: bleeding and infection; the team explains them before the procedure and gives instructions to reduce them and catch them early.
• Some procedures have effects of their own (for example, lymph-node removal and the risk of arm or leg swelling — lymphedema); these are clearly explained for each specific surgery.
• Recovery is supported with follow-up visits, pain management and, when helpful, nutrition and rehabilitation support.
• Source: NCI, "Surgery to Treat Cancer": https://www.cancer.gov/espanol/cancer/tratamiento/tipos/cirugia

Frequently asked questions

Does having surgery make the cancer "spread"? That is a very widespread myth. A well-indicated cancer surgery performed with proper technique does not spread the cancer. Delaying a needed surgery out of this fear, however, can allow the disease to advance.

Do you always operate first? No. In many cases it is better to give chemotherapy or another treatment first to shrink the tumor, and operate afterward. The oncology team defines the order for each case.

What if my case needs radiation therapy after surgery? The unit does not have radiation therapy, but when the plan calls for it, we refer you and coordinate your care with centers in the city of Chihuahua, and we continue your follow-up here. Come in for an evaluation to learn the complete plan for your case.

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