alot of my family didn't want me be cut on because of that reason. after a breast removed and chemo and rads. a year later it has gone to my lungs, liver, spine ,bones.
2007-01-14 23:42:53 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
Surgery does usually not cause cancer to spread. Unfortunately, despite surgery, chemo and radiation, breast cancer sometimes spreads throughout the body.
Here is some information from the American Cancer Society on whether surgery spreads cancer (see the page at http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_1_2X_Surgery.asp
"Does Surgery Cause Cancer to Spread?
In nearly all situations, the answer is no. But there are some important exceptions, and doctors who are experienced in taking biopsies of cancers and treating them with surgery are very careful to avoid these situations.
The chances of a needle biopsy causing a cancer to spread are extremely low. In the past, larger needles were used for biopsies, and the chance of spread was more significant. Most types of cancers can be safely sampled by an incisional biopsy, but there are a few exceptions, such as certain tumors in the eyes or in the testicles. For these types of cancer, doctors may treat without a biopsy or may recommend removing the entire tumor if it is likely to be cancerous. In other cases a needle biopsy can be safely used and, if it indicates the tumor is a cancer, it can be removed by surgery.
One common myth about cancer is that it will spread if it is exposed to air during surgery. Some people may believe this because they often feel worse after the operation than they did before. It is normal to feel this way when beginning to recover from any surgery. Cancer does not spread because it has been exposed to air. If you delay or refuse surgery because of this myth, then you may be cheating yourself by passing up effective treatment.
The best chance of a cure from most types of cancer is to remove all of the cancer as soon as possible after diagnosis. If you have a solid tumor, sometimes surgery alone will provide a cure, but often chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or biologic therapy is also needed. Your health care team will discuss your best treatment options with you.
If you have any concerns about surgery and cancer spread, discuss this issue with your surgeon and other members of your cancer care team."
And here's another source--About.com" that talks specifically about breast cancer surgery and the spread of cancer: http://breastcancer.about.com/od/treatments/qt/surgery_myth.htm
2007-01-15 03:01:30 · answer #1 · answered by Carla W 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it can. When I had my mastectomy and chemo port inserted, they were sure to put the port in first and the mastectomy last. That way there wasn't a risk of introducing any cancerous cells into where they were placing the port. It sounds like you probably had node involvment. If I were you I would ask my surgeon what the path report showed concerning your lymph nodes. I had one lymph node that was dangerously close to bursting from the cancer. If the cancer had made its way out then it would have continued to spread to all or some of the likely areas that you just named.
2007-01-15 04:33:50 · answer #2 · answered by Jenna 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
thats odd here they do the chemo then remove the breast .well it is true that some kids of cancer spreads when it is cut but you never stated what type it was.
2007-01-15 00:31:24 · answer #3 · answered by mountainchowpurple 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, thats untrue !!! Cancer can be on lungs before yhe surgery.
The surgery don't cause that.
You must have a complete diet - beans, brocoli, sprouds, vegetables, many fruits, soy.
after surgery you should try Nimed (nimesulid). Have anticancer properties. Surgery can give you hope !!! Don't give up of that because some myths and legends of your family.
2007-01-15 04:16:27 · answer #4 · answered by ironenzyme 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is true. If they don't get it all out the first time it spreads. My husband has stage 4 non small cell lung cancer that has been to his brain and adrenal gland.
2007-01-15 01:43:07 · answer #5 · answered by redwidow 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some types of cancerous tumors will "seed" if cut. All untreated cancer will spread with time whether cut or not.
2007-01-15 00:21:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Dr will tell you know that it has nothin to do with it but from experience with loved ones YES its true. Find a good Dr and I hope you will be healed. MAY GOD BLESS!!
2007-01-14 23:52:27 · answer #7 · answered by Georgia Peach 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes i know that for a fact it can. my great unt died b/c when she was being operated air hit the cancerous area and it spreaded uncontrollably and she died. i would find another doctor..prefer a specialist and get me a good lawyer.
2007-01-14 23:49:07 · answer #8 · answered by christile21 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋