Surgery for cancer involves the physical removal of the tumour (or some of it) by a surgeon. This is usually done under general anaesthetic (where the person is asleep) but can occasionally be local anaesthetic (where they are awake). Some extra tissue will often be removed, often including lymph nodes to see if the cancer has affected them. Plastic or reconstructive surgery may also be needed to repair the damage caused by removal of the cancer. For longer lasting effects, physiotherapy may also be needed.

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