Tummy tuck - could cancer spread from surgery if found later?

Question

If you have a tummy tuck and dont know if you have any type of cancer, could cancer spread from surgery if found later? Maybe this is a dumb question, but its sort of preventative. Thanks

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

If you’re concerned it’s not a bad idea to get checked out before the tummy tuck to make sure there is no problem. A tummy tuck is all outside the abdomen so it would not cause cancer to spread

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding the possibility of cancer spreading due to surgery.

Your concern is understandable, and it’s not a dumb question at all. Many patients worry about the potential risks associated with surgery, especially if there’s an underlying health condition like cancer that hasn’t yet been diagnosed.

To address your question directly, surgery itself does not cause cancer to spread. However, if you were to have an undiagnosed cancer at the time of surgery, the surgical team would need to take specific precautions. The presence of cancer could affect how a surgery is performed or whether it should be performed at all.

During a tummy tuck or any other surgery, if there is any suspicion of cancer, such as a suspicious mass or lesion, the surgeon would typically stop the procedure and consult with an oncologist or order further tests before proceeding. This ensures that the best course of action is taken for your overall health.

It’s important to note that, in general, surgery is sometimes used as a treatment for certain cancers to remove the cancerous tissue. The idea that surgery could cause cancer to spread is largely a myth, but it is critical to have a thorough medical evaluation before any surgery. This evaluation often includes blood tests, imaging studies, and other screenings to rule out potential issues, including cancer.

If you have any concerns about your health or potential risks, I encourage you to speak with your healthcare provider. They can perform the necessary evaluations and screenings to ensure that you are in the best possible health before undergoing elective surgery.

I hope this helps to clarify your concerns. Please feel free to discuss any further questions with your healthcare team.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katzen

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Cancer spreading from a surgical procedure, known as surgical dissemination or surgical seeding, is a rare occurrence but can theoretically happen in some cases. However, the likelihood of this happening during a tummy tuck procedure specifically is extremely low.

Here are a few points to consider:

Preoperative Screening: Before undergoing any elective surgery, including a tummy tuck, patients typically undergo preoperative screening to evaluate their overall health status. This may include medical history assessment, physical examination, and sometimes imaging studies or laboratory tests. If there are any suspicions or concerns about the presence of cancer, additional investigations may be warranted before proceeding with surgery.

Intraoperative Evaluation: During surgery, the surgeon carefully examines the abdominal area and surrounding tissues. If any unexpected masses or abnormalities are discovered, the surgeon may opt to take a biopsy or refer the patient for further evaluation before completing the procedure.

Surgical Techniques: Surgeons adhere to strict protocols to minimize the risk of spreading cancer cells during surgery. This includes careful handling of tissues, meticulous surgical technique, and use of appropriate instruments and equipment. Additionally, in procedures like a tummy tuck, the focus is on removing excess skin and fat, rather than manipulating internal organs where cancer may be present.

Postoperative Monitoring: After surgery, patients are typically monitored closely during the recovery period. Any unusual symptoms or signs of complications, including signs of cancer spread, would be addressed promptly by the medical team.

While it's theoretically possible for cancer cells to be inadvertently spread during surgery, the risk is considered extremely low, especially in procedures like a tummy tuck where the surgical focus is primarily on the superficial layers of tissue. However, if there are concerns about cancer, it's essential to discuss them openly with your healthcare provider before undergoing any surgical procedure. Additionally, patients with a history of cancer or other significant medical conditions should undergo thorough preoperative evaluation and consultation with their healthcare team to ensure the procedure is safe and appropriate for them.

Azita Madjidi, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

If a patient has a known cancer, that should be taken care of first. There are many types of cancers and you need to be more specific which one you are concerned about. Also read about what a tummy tuck does so your question can be more specific.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

A tummy tuck will not spread cancer inside the abdomen. However, if you actually do have cancer, this needs to be treated, and you will not be a candidate for a tuck until the cancer is controlled or eliminated.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

This question is very broad and therefore difficult to answer directly.  During a tummy tuck procedure excess fat and skin are removed and abdominal wall laxity is addressed.  It is a cosmetic procedure designed to help shape and contour the tummy area.  It does not go into the abdominal cavity where the organs are.  There is typically minimal blood loss during the surgery.  If you have more specific questions I encourage you to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to discuss.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

It’s difficult to give you a quality answer.
Do you have cancer? Did you have a tummy tuck?
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

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