What is a primary goal of surgery in cancer treatment?

In the context of cancer treatment, a primary goal of surgery is to reduce the tumor burden for effective management. This involves the physical removal of a tumor and any surrounding tissue that may be affected by cancer. Reducing the tumor burden can help alleviate symptoms, improve the effectiveness of subsequent treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, and enhance the overall quality of life for the patient.

While complete elimination of cancer cells is an ideal outcome, it is not always achievable through surgical intervention alone, especially in cases where cancer has metastasized or where surgical margins may not be clear. The role of surgery may also be limited by the type, stage, and location of the cancer.

Enhancing the effects of chemotherapy is sometimes a secondary benefit of reducing the tumor size through surgery, as smaller tumors may respond better to systemic treatments. However, this is not the primary aim of surgical intervention.

Surgery is not typically employed to avoid using other therapies. In fact, it often works in conjunction with other modalities, including chemotherapy and radiation, to achieve the best overall treatment outcome.