n.
The excision of a major part of a malignant tumor that cannot be completely removed surgically, performed to enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Debulking
| Medical Dictionary: de·bulk·ing operation |
(dē-bŭl'kĭng)
n.
n.
| 5min Related Video: Debulking |
| Veterinary Dictionary: debulking |
Removal of excess bulk of tissue from a lesion either to assist in healing or as an adjunct to chemotherapy.
| Wikipedia: Debulking |
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Debulking is the surgical removal of part of a malignant tumour which cannot be completely excised, so as to enhance the effectiveness of radiation or chemotherapy. It is used only in specific malignancies, as generally partial removal of a tumor is not considered a worthwhile intervention. Ovarian carcinoma and some types of brain tumor are debulked prior to commencing radio- or chemotherapy. It is usually a long and often complicated procedure taking ten hours or more to perform, depending on internal involvement and location.
Debulking is also known as cytoreduction surgery; "cytoreduction" refers to reducing the number of cancer cells.
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 | Tumor Removal |
| Tumor Removal: Purpose |
| Brain Tumor: Treatment |
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 | Medical Dictionary. The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Read more |
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| Veterinary Dictionary. Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary 3rd Edition. Copyright © 2007 by D.C. Blood, V.P. Studdert and C.C. Gay, Elsevier. All rights reserved. Read more |
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| Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Debulking". Read more |
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