Many uncomfortable symptoms of cancer, however, can be relieved by surgery. To palliate means to ease or to relieve.
Palliative surgery is done only for the purpose of improving the quality of a person's life.
It is not intended to cure the person or even prolong their life. It hopefully makes the person more comfortable. The goal is for them to be able to do what they value for a longer period of time. The time they have left living with their cancer can be less painful and more enjoyable. All rights reserved.