There are side effects that are a result of tumor removal.  Surgery is usually used to remove cancerous growths and tumors, whether benign or malignant.  Cancer surgery has become complex, as there are a number of different techniques and instruments that are used to remove tumors.  Biopsies are also performed as well.  The biopsy is an invasive procedure in which a sample of the growth is surgically removed for study.  The unfortunate result of a biopsy is that the encapsulated growth is now opened up, and cells from the growth are released into the body.  If the growth is malignant, this means that the cells are now able to metastasize throughout the body.

Side Effects

  • Pain: Pain is a common side effect of all surgical procedures.  It usually subsides after a period of time, but not always.
  • Bleeding: This is usually not a big problem, and the surgeon attempts to reduce bleeding to a minimum.
  • Blood clots: Surgery patients are at an increased risk of blood clot.  Blood clots are not likely to happen, but if they do, they can have serious effects.  They are most likely to occur in the legs, and may cause some pain and swelling.  A blood clot that dislodges or breaks off and travels to the lung can cause a serious condition called a pulmonary embolism.  This can be fatal, but precautions are taken to reduce this risk, such as having the patient walk as soon as possible after surgery, or the use of blood-thinning medications.
  • Altered bladder and bowel function: You may have difficulty voiding immediately after surgery, but this usually subsides within a few days of surgery.
  • Infection: The incision created by the surgeon may become infected.  Patients are usually given instructions on how to care for their wounds so that they do not become infected.  Infections are usually treated with antibiotics.
  • Loss of organ(s) and/or organ function: The surgeon may have to remove part of an organ, or an entire organ, in order to successfully remove a growth.  In some situations, if one organ is removed (i.e., a kidney), the other may be able to compensate for the loss of one organ.  In other situations, if the organ is partially removed, it may be able to grow enough to perform its duties.  But in some cases, there will be reduced function, or a loss of function altogether.  In some cases, a transplant may be an option (especially in liver or kidney cancers), or hormone replacements may be used.  Unfortunately, once an organ is removed, it is not possible for the patient to return to 100% function ever again.