|
What is
Neoplasm Excision?
Neoplasm or tumor removal is a surgical
procedure to remove an abnormal growth.
Back to Top
Effects
of Neoplasm Excision
Surgery may be used to remove tumors for
diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
Back to Top
Candidates
for Neoplasm Excision
Some tumors are more common in one sex than
the other, some are more common among
children or the elderly, and some vary with
diet, environment, and genetic risk factors.
Back to Top
Your
Consultation
As with anyone facing any surgical
procedure, those undergoing foot and ankle
surgery require specific tests or
examinations before surgery to obtain a
successful surgical outcome. Prior to
surgery, the podiatric surgeon will review
your medical history and medical conditions.
Specific diseases, illnesses, allergies, and
current medications need to be evaluated.
Other tests that help evaluate your health
status that may be ordered by the podiatric
physician include blood studies, urinalysis,
EKG, X-rays, blood flow studies (to better
evaluate the circulatory status of the
foot/legs), and biomechanical examination.
Back to Top
The Neoplasm Excision
Procedure
Once surgical removal has been decided, an
oncologic surgeon will remove the tumor
whole, taking with it a large section of the
surrounding normal tissue. The healthy
tissue is removed to minimize the risk of
possible seeding.
Back to Top
Recovery
Retesting and periodical examinations are
necessary to ensure that a tumor has not
reformed after total removal.
Back to Top
Risks
Each tumor removal surgery carries certain
risks that are inherent to the procedure.
There is always a risk of misdiagnosing a
cancer if an inadequate sample was procured
during biopsy, or if the tumor was not
properly located. There is a chance of
infection of the surgical site, excessive
bleeding, or injury to adjacent tissues. The
possibility of metastasis and seeding are
risks that have to be considered in
consultation with an oncologist.
Back to Top
Frequently Asked
Questions
Q: What is a neoplasm?
A:
Neoplasm or tumor, tissue composed of cells
that grow in an abnormal way. Normal tissue
is growth-limited, i.e., cell reproduction
is equal to cell death. Feedback controls
limit cell division after a certain number
of cells has developed, allowing for tissue
repair but not expansion. Tumor cells are
less responsive to these restraints and can
proliferate to the point where they disrupt
tissue architecture, distort the flow of
nutrients, and otherwise do damage.
Q: When is it necessary to opt for surgery?
A:
Many conditions can affect the back portion
of the foot and ankle. Fortunately, many of
these problems can be resolved through
conservative treatments. However when pain
persists or deformity occurs, surgical
intervention can often help alleviate pain,
reduce deformity, and/or restore the
function of your foot or ankle.
Q: What is a reconstructive surgery?
A:
Reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle
consists of complex surgical repair(s) that
may be necessary to regain function or
stability, reduce pain, and/or prevent
further deformity or disease. Unfortunately,
there are many conditions or diseases that
range from trauma to congenital defects that
necessitate surgery of the foot and/or
ankle. Reconstructive surgery in many of
these cases may require any of the
following: tendon repair/transfer, fusion of
bone, joint implantation, bone grafting,
skin or soft tissue repair, tumor excision,
amputation and/or the osteotomy of bone
(cutting of bones in a precise fashion).
Bone screws, pins, wires, staples, and other
fixation devices (both internal and
external), and casts may be utilized to
stabilize and repair bone in reconstructive
procedures.
Q: What should I do after surgery?
A:
Surgery of the rearfoot requires close care
following surgery. To assure a rapid and
uneventful recovery, it is important to
follow your podiatric surgeon's advice and
postoperative instructions carefully. Rest,
ice, compression and elevation of your
foot/ankle postoperatively is often advised.
The usage of bandages, splints, casts,
surgical shoes, crutches, or canes may be
necessary after surgery. Your podiatric
surgeon will also determine if and when you
can bear weight on an operated foot.
Back to Top |
