Surgery is the first option in the treatment of many firm malignant tumours. Surgery to treat cancer removes the cancerous tumour and the healthy tissue surrounding it to prevent the spread of the tumour locally.

During surgery doctors are able to find out whether the cancer has spread to nearby tissue and lymph nodes. If necessary, nearby lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes are removed during surgery.

The extent of surgery to treat cancer and its successful outcome vary according to the type of cancer, its stage, size, distribution and location. Surgery performed in the early stages of cancer result in fairly good treatment outcomes.