Surgery, alone or along with other cancer treatments, can be an effective treatment for cancer. Surgery is used to remove the solid mass of a tumor along with a healthy margin of tissue. In addition to the tumor, other structures such as lymph nodes or blood vessels in close proximity to the tumor will be removed to aid in identifying the extent of the cancer and to optimally remove all cancerous tissues. Even if the cancer can not be totally removed with surgery, removal of as much as possible is often suggested. Surgery may even be used to remove cancer that has spread to another part of the body.
Surgical reconstruction is discussed whenever a body altering surgery is to be performed.
The development of microsurgical techniques have advanced the art of reconstructive surgery. Surgical oncologists possess an understanding of the nature of cancer conditions and how best to bring therapies together to battle the disease process. There are 22 main operating rooms and 6 ambulatory surgery suites at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. In addition, there are 2 minor surgical suites in the Clinical Cancer Center for central line placements, biopsies, and other minor surgical procedures .