Managing Post Cancer Surgery Symptoms and Side Effects

Dr.Arun Giri, 4 mins read

Surgery is a traditional yet most effective form of treatment for cancer. It can be used alone or with a combination of other treatment options, like chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Many types of cancer can be treated with surgical interventions. It works best when the cancer is in solid form and located in one area. 

How does surgery help in the treatment of cancer?

• Remove entire tumour

Surgery can be helpful in eliminating entire cancer, which is located in one area.

• Debulk the tumour
  

When doctors find that removing a part of the cancer instead of removing the entire tumour in certain cases is a better option, this kind of surgery is done. That’s because removing the entire cancer can affect an organ or the whole body. That’s why removing a part of the tumour helps other treatment options to work better.

• Ease symptoms
  

The surgery can also be beneficial to ease the pain or pressure caused due to cancer.

Surgery may give you relief from cancer. But you need to know about the management of post-cancer surgery side effects. 

Sometimes surgery may cause side effects, which you can manage by working with your doctors. The severity can vary for each person. The side effects depend on the:

1. Overall health
   
2. Location of the surgery
   
3. Symptoms before surgery
   
4. Additional treatment prior to surgery
   
5. Type of surgery used (curative, preventive, diagnostic, debulking, palliative, supportive, etc.)
   

How long do the side effects last?

The recovery time from surgery and its side effects can differ for each person. So, when you’re discharged from the hospital, ask your doctor about the side effects and their management. 

Here’re a few of the side effects of cancer surgery:

• Numbness

Surgery may affect or cut the nerves from certain touchpoints, which can cause numbness. You can talk to your surgeon about whether the surgery will affect any nerve. And if it affects you, then ask the doctor for its management. Your doctor will evaluate your condition and advise you on a treatment course accordingly.

• Pain

Pain depends on the length and location of the surgery, incision size and the amount of tissue removed. The pain may be a burning sensation, throbbing and stabbing pain. Pain can be subsided by taking prescribed medications and therapies, which include meditation, breathing and relaxation exercises.

• Drainage

In rarer cases, a patient can experience fluid drainage from the incision. This fluid can be thicker and smell bad. If you observe redness around the wound, it might be a sign of an infection. If this is the case, consult the doctor immediately.

• Bleeding and bruising

A patient can experience bleeding and bruising at the site of the incision. This can happen because of broken tissues and blood vessels. A patient needs to follow the aftercare tips properly. If the problem continues, discuss it with your doctor. 

• Swelling

Swelling around the incision is common and normal. It is actually the body’s response to wound healing. It will subside as the wound heals. To manage your swelling: 

1. Ice the swelled area
2. Elevate the area if possible
   
3. Limit your sodium intake (if prescribed by a doctor)
   

If you are considering taking any medication to reduce swelling, ask your doctor first.

• Health problems

A patient who was recently operated on for cancer treatment may have weak immunity that makes him/her more susceptible to several diseases and infections. These include:

1. Fever
2. Chills
3. Sweating
4. Persistent itching
5. Pain around the lungs, mouth and skin

These problems can be easily managed and treated by working with your doctor. 

• Loss of appetite
  

The anaesthesia given at the time of surgery may lead to loss of appetite for some time. Your doctor will provide you with a diet plan which includes some light meals and a fluid intake plan. You will shortly regain your appetite. If the surgery is performed at the abdomen, mouth, throat, colon and stomach, you may experience bloating, gas or cramp for a few days.

• Blood clots

Post-surgery blood may thicken and clump, causing blood clots. So, it’s always recommended to seek medical attention if you experience excruciating pain. 

Takeaway!

Surgery is an effective approach to cancer treatment. However, like other modalities, it also has a few side effects, which can be mitigated by carefully choosing a doctor who has hands-on experience in carrying out cancer surgeries. 

Also, Read: Cancer Prevention: Lifestyle Changes and Screening Recommendation