palliative surgery

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

Palliative surgery is a type of surgical intervention that aims to relieve symptoms, such as pain or pressure on surrounding structures, rather than to cure a disease. This approach is often considered when a complete removal of a tumor is not possible. While surgery is a primary method for curing many cancers, palliative surgery focuses on improving a patient's quality of life by managing discomfort and disfigurement caused by the disease. It does not aim to eradicate the illness but rather to make the patient more comfortable.12

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cancer
Surgery
This type of surgery, called palliative surgery, can remove an intestinal obstruction or remove masses that are causing pain or disfigurement.
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This type of surgery, called palliative surgery, can remove an intestinal obstruction or remove masses that are causing pain or disfigurement.
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therapeutics
Surgical extirpation
…a tumour is not possible, palliative surgery, which provides relief but is not a cure, may be useful to relieve pain or pressure on adjacent structures. Radical surgery may not always be best, as in the early stages of breast cancer. Removal of the entire breast and surrounding structures, including…
Read More
…a tumour is not possible, palliative surgery, which provides relief but is not a cure, may be useful to relieve pain or pressure on adjacent structures. Radical surgery may not always be best, as in the early stages of breast cancer. Removal of the entire breast and surrounding structures, including…
Read More