Which type of surgical procedure involves the removal of the entire tumor and some surrounding tissue?

Prepare for the ONS Certification Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Boost your readiness today!

The correct answer is wide local excision, which is a surgical procedure aimed at removing not just the tumor itself but also a margin of healthy tissue surrounding it. This approach is crucial in oncological surgery as it helps to ensure that all cancerous cells are removed, potentially decreasing the likelihood of recurrence. By excising a margin of normal tissue, it reduces the chances of leaving microscopic disease behind, which can happen if only the tumor is removed.

In contrast, a total mastectomy involves removing the entire breast tissue, often performed in cases of breast cancer, rather than just excising the tumor and some margin. This procedure is more extensive and is typically indicated for more advanced stages of cancer.

A biopsy is a diagnostic procedure where a sample of tissue is taken for examination. This is not a treatment procedure and does not involve the complete removal of a tumor.

Radiation therapy, on the other hand, is a non-surgical intervention that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors, but it does not involve any physical removal of tissue.

In summary, wide local excision specifically focuses on removing the tumor along with surrounding healthy tissue, making it the most suitable choice for the described surgical procedure.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy