MSD Manual

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Costs and Benefits of Cancer Surgery

Costs and Benefits of Cancer Surgery

Whenever cancer surgery is being considered, you should discuss its costs and benefits with your veterinarian.

Possible Benefits

  • Complete cure and a disease-free life

  • Reduced pain

  • Improved quality of life (even if complete cure is not possible)

  • Prolonged life (even if complete cure is not possible)

Possible Costs

  • Potential complications of surgery, including infections, bleeding, recurrence of the cancer, and undesirable changes in appearance

  • Short- or longterm pain and discomfort

  • Loss of normal function in affected limbs or organs (for example, as a result of amputation)