Locations:
SearchAdvertisement
The short answer from an oncologist
A: It’s a common concern: Cancer will spread if exposed to air during surgery. There are rare times when having a biopsy is a risk for spreading which may be a reason biopsy isn’t offered.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Some people may feel worse after surgery than they did before surgery, which may cause the belief that their cancer has spread. However, it’s normal to feel worse immediately following surgery. This doesn’t mean that your cancer is spreading.
Also, your surgeon may find more cancer during surgery than was originally expected from the pre-op scans and X-rays. This can happen too, and it also isn’t related to the surgery. The cancer was already there but hadn’t shown up on the tests.
Remember, if you have any concerns or questions, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.
— Dale Shepard, MD, Hematology and Medical Oncologist
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
Life after childhood cancer may look a little different
Anything from minor irritations and chronic diseases to, yes, cancer can cause persistent itching
Understand who may (and may not) benefit
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Et odio Quis vel ipsam omnis eum alias deleniti et placeat impedit non voluptas galisum hic autem enim et cupiditate aliquid. Est beatae quidem non facilis autem ut commodi nisi aut tempore rerum et dolores voluptatem cum enim optio id sapiente quasi. Ad laboriosam officiis 33 cupiditate sequi ea voluptatum consectetur qui necessitatibus voluptate et quasi doloremque et facere explicabo quo explicabo officia
Seeking help through therapy can be an important step in improving your quality of life when you have UC
It’s always a good idea to let a healthcare provider know about any back pain you’re experiencing, especially if it results from trauma or persists longer than three months
Estrogen and progesterone changes throughout the month — and throughout your life — can make you more prone to dental health concerns
Stay merry and bright by knowing your triggers and journaling throughout your visit
Hormone changes can definitely leave you tossing and turning at night, but help is available
