Should small cancer tumors be surgically removed?

Many cancer patients hesitate to undergo surgery for small tumors, fearing the spread of cancer cells or believing traditional remedies can shrink them. This raises a crucial question: when a tumor is small, is surgery advisable, and what are the potential risks and benefits? (Nam, 44 years old, Hanoi)

A common fear among the public is that surgery can accelerate cancer metastasis or worsen the disease. This deep-seated concern often leads patients to refuse surgical intervention even when tumors are small, opting instead for traditional remedies. Unfortunately, many only return to the hospital when the tumor has ruptured or the disease has advanced significantly, at which point effective treatment options are severely limited.

However, surgery plays a vital role in both cancer diagnosis and treatment. In its early stages, surgery is often the primary and most decisive treatment, offering patients a complete cure if the tumor is entirely removed. A small tumor typically indicates an early stage of the disease, making surgical removal particularly effective. Early intervention not only eliminates the tumor but also reduces patient pain and treatment costs, leading to a better quality of life post-operation.

Medical science has not recorded any cases of cancer being cured by folk remedies, fasting, or specific dietary regimens alone. Self-treating or placing trust in unverified word-of-mouth advertisements can be costly and, more critically, cause patients to miss the "golden window" for effective treatment, thereby losing their opportunity to overcome cancer.

Doctors strongly advise patients to trust specialized medical professionals and adhere to treatment protocols established on scientific evidence. Early and appropriate treatment, combined with comprehensive nutrition, significantly enhances the body's ability to combat the disease.