Soft Tissue Tumour Resection

What is a soft tissue tumour resection?

A soft tissue tumour resection is a surgical procedure to remove abnormal growths that develop in the soft tissues of the body. In the context of head and neck surgery, this often involves tumours in the neck, face, or mouth. These tumours can arise from various types of soft tissue, including fat, muscle, nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.

At Hills Surgical Oncology, Dr Muzib Abdul-Razak, a highly skilled head and neck surgeon in Sydney, specialises in performing soft tissue tumour resections. With clinics in Wahroonga and the Hills area, Dr Abdul-Razak provides expert care for patients requiring this procedure.

[Image suggestion: A diagram showing the different types of soft tissues in the head and neck region]

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Why is a soft tissue tumour resection performed?

There are several reasons why your doctor might recommend a soft tissue tumour resection:

1. To remove cancerous tumours
2. To diagnose suspicious growths that could be cancerous
3. To remove benign (non-cancerous) tumours that are causing discomfort or cosmetic concerns
4. To prevent benign tumours from becoming cancerous or interfering with nearby structures

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What are the different types of soft tissue tumours?

Soft tissue tumours can be broadly categorised into two main types:

1. Benign tumours: These are not cancerous and usually don't spread to other parts of the body. Examples include lipomas (fatty tumours) and fibromas.
2. Malignant tumours: These are cancerous and can spread to other parts of the body. Examples include sarcomas and lymphomas.

At Hills Surgical Oncology, Dr Abdul-Razak will conduct a thorough examination and may order tests to determine the nature of your soft tissue tumour before recommending treatment.

[Image suggestion: Photos or illustrations showing different types of soft tissue tumours in the head and neck region]

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How do I prepare for a soft tissue tumour resection?

Preparing for a soft tissue tumour resection involves several steps:

1. Medical evaluation: Your doctor will perform a thorough examination and may order imaging studies like MRI or CT scans.
2. Biopsy: In some cases, a small sample of the tumour may be taken before surgery to help plan the best treatment approach.
3. Medication review: Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you're taking. You may need to stop certain medications before surgery.
4. Fasting: You'll likely need to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the surgery.
5. Arrange for help: Plan for someone to drive you home after the procedure and help you for the first few days of recovery.

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What happens during a soft tissue tumour resection surgery?

A soft tissue tumour resection is typically performed under general anaesthesia, meaning you'll be asleep during the procedure. Here's what you can expect:

1. Anaesthesia: The anaesthetist will administer medication to put you to sleep.
2. Incision: Dr Abdul-Razak will make an incision in the skin near the tumour. The size and location of the incision depend on the tumour's size and position.
3. Tumour removal: The surgeon carefully removes the tumour and sometimes a margin of healthy tissue around it to ensure complete removal.
4. Preservation of structures: Important nerves, blood vessels, and muscles are identified and preserved when possible.
5. Reconstruction: If necessary, reconstructive techniques may be used to restore appearance and function.
6. Closing the incision: The incision is closed with stitches or surgical glue, and a dressing is applied.

The entire procedure usually takes about 1 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity of the case.

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What should I expect after a soft tissue tumour resection?

After your soft tissue tumour resection at Hills Surgical Oncology:

1. Recovery room: You'll spend some time in a recovery room where nurses will monitor your vital signs.
2. Hospital stay: Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may go home the same day or stay in the hospital for a few days.
3. Pain management: You may experience some discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication.
4. Drainage: You might have a small tube to drain fluid from the surgical site. This is often removed before you go home or at a follow-up appointment.
5. Swelling and bruising: Some swelling and bruising in the operated area is normal and usually subsides over time.
6. Follow-up appointment: Dr Abdul-Razak will schedule a follow-up visit to check your recovery and discuss the results of any tests on the removed tissue.

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What is the recovery process like after soft tissue tumour resections?

Recovery from a soft tissue tumour resection varies depending on the location and size of the tumour, as well as the extent of the surgery. Generally:

1. Rest: Take it easy for the first few days after surgery.
2. Incision care: Keep the incision clean and dry. Dr Abdul-Razak will provide specific instructions on wound care.
3. Pain management: Take pain medication as prescribed to manage discomfort.
4. Gradual return to activities: Most people can return to light activities within a week or two, but full recovery may take 4 to 6 weeks or longer.
5. Follow-up care: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with Dr Abdul-Razak to monitor your recovery and discuss any test results.

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Are there any risks or complications associated with soft tissue tumour resections?

Like all surgical procedures, soft tissue tumour resection carries some risks. However, when performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr Abdul-Razak at Hills Surgical Oncology, serious complications are rare. Potential risks include:

1. Bleeding or infection at the surgical site
2. Injury to nearby nerves or blood vessels
3. Seroma (fluid collection under the skin)
4. Scarring
5. Changes in sensation or function in the affected area
6. Recurrence of the tumour

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Will my appearance change after a soft tissue tumour resection?

It's natural to be concerned about how you'll look after soft tissue tumour resection. Here's what you can expect:

1. Incision scar: The incision is carefully placed to be as inconspicuous as possible. Over time, the scar usually fades and becomes less noticeable.
2. Contour changes: Depending on the size and location of the tumour, there may be some changes in the contour of the affected area. In many cases, these changes are minimal.
3. Reconstructive options: If significant changes in appearance are anticipated, Dr Abdul-Razak may discuss reconstructive options with you.

Dr Abdul-Razak at Hills Surgical Oncology uses advanced surgical techniques to minimise changes to your appearance while effectively treating your condition.

[Image suggestion: Before and after photos of patients who have undergone soft tissue tumour resection, showing healed incisions and minimal changes in appearance]

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How long does a soft tissue tumour resection surgery take?

The duration of a soft tissue tumour resection can vary depending on the size and location of the tumour, as well as its complexity. Generally:

1. A simple soft tissue tumour resection might take 1 to 2 hours.
2. More complex cases could take 3 to 4 hours or more.

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When can I return to work after a soft tissue tumour resection?

The time it takes to return to work after a soft tissue tumour resection can vary depending on your job and how you're feeling. In general:

1. Most people can return to desk jobs within 1 to 2 weeks.
2. For jobs requiring physical labour, you may need 3 to 4 weeks off or more.
3. Some patients may require longer recovery periods, especially if the tumour was large or in a complex location.

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Will I need additional treatment after a soft tissue tumour resection?

Whether you need additional treatment after soft tissue tumour resection depends on several factors, including:

1. The nature of the tumour (benign or malignant)
2. The results of the pathology report on the removed tissue
3. The completeness of the removal

Additional treatments might include:

1. Radiation therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence
2. Chemotherapy if the tumour was cancerous and there's a risk of spread
3. Regular follow-up appointments and scans

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Why choose Hills Surgical Oncology for your soft tissue tumour resection?

When considering a soft tissue tumour resection, choosing the right surgeon is crucial. Here's why Hills Surgical Oncology, led by Dr Muzib Abdul-Razak, is an excellent choice:

1. Expertise: As a specialist head and neck surgeon and surgical oncologist in Sydney, Dr Abdul-Razak has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating soft tissue tumours.
2. Advanced techniques: We use the latest surgical techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.
3. Comprehensive care: From initial consultation to post-operative care and ongoing follow-up, we provide support at every step of your journey.
4. Convenient locations: With clinics in Wahroonga and the Hills area, we're easily accessible to patients across Sydney.
5. Patient-centred approach: We understand that every patient is unique, and we tailor our care to meet your individual needs.
6. Multidisciplinary team: We work closely with other specialists to ensure you receive comprehensive care if needed.

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Take home message

Soft tissue tumour resection is an important procedure for diagnosing and treating various types of tumours in the head and neck region. At Hills Surgical Oncology, Dr Muzib Abdul-Razak and his team are committed to providing expert, compassionate care to patients requiring this surgery.

If you're in the Hills area, Norwest, Wahroonga, or anywhere in Sydney and have noticed a lump or have been recommended for a soft tissue tumour resection, don't hesitate to reach out to Hills Surgical Oncology. Dr Abdul-Razak, a leading head and neck surgeon and surgical oncologist in Sydney, is here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and guide you through the process.Remember, early evaluation and treatment of soft tissue tumours is crucial for the best possible outcomes. We're here to ensure you receive the best possible care throughout your treatment journey.