tumörresektion

Tumörresektion, or tumor resection, is a surgical procedure aimed at removing a malignant or benign tumor from the body. The term is used in Swedish-speaking regions but is understood globally as the removal of a tumor with the goal of achieving clear margins—meaning none of the removed tissue contains cancerous cells.

The procedure is performed when imaging and biopsy confirm the presence of a tumor that is operable, and when the patient can safely tolerate surgery. Tumörresektion can occur in many organ systems, including the breast, lung, liver, colon, and brain. The specific surgical technique depends on the tumor’s size, location, and relationship to surrounding structures. For example, a lumpectomy is a type of breast tumor resection where only the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue are removed, whereas a lobectomy removes an entire lobe of the lung.

Preoperative planning involves detailed imaging—such as CT, MRI, or PET scans—to determine the exact boundaries of the tumor. Surgeons may use navigation systems or intraoperative imaging to enhance precision. During the operation, blood vessels and nerves near the tumor are carefully preserved when possible. The resected tissue is sent for histopathological examination to confirm the margins and determine the tumor’s grade and aggressiveness.

Recovery times vary; patients may need hospital stays ranging from a day to several days, followed by outpatient follow-up. Pain control, physiotherapy, and monitoring for complications such as infection, bleeding, or organ dysfunction are essential components of postoperative care. In many cases, tumor resection is followed by additional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or targeted therapy, depending on the cancer type, stage, and patient factors.

Early detection and timely surgery increase the chances of complete removal and improve overall survival rates in many cancers.