text: when is surgery possible in cancer and when is it not? im doing a test and google hates me now. ive resorted 2 this so please help. there are many variables depending on the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, the location of the tumor (s) and the age and health of the patient.  since you are not too specific i can give you a general idea. please keep in mind that tumors can invade surrounding tisse or organs making surgery very difficult. much depends upon how many tumors are present, what size they are, if they are in one spot, and have traveled throughout the body.  in general, surgery is possible when the tumor or tumors are localized - in one spot - and do not invade surrounding tissue.  in general, complicated surgery may depend entirely upon the skill of the surgeon. one surgeon will not feel comfortable operating, while another may specialize in this particular type of cancer and will operate. it may be best to get a second opinion in the case of surgery.  in general, surgery is not possible when the tumor or tumors are located in places that the surgeon cannot reach or places that are too close to vital structures. again, surgery may be totally dependent upon the skill of a surgeon. there are some surgeons who have extraordinary skills, but they are far and few between. you will need to search.  my son has a rare sarcoma, that not many surgical oncologists see during their practice. his cancer was considered inoperable because it was so extensive. the recommendation was to treat him first with high dose chemotherapy to reduce the tumor burden and shrink the primary tumors. he responded and by the 5th cycle of chemo underwent a 'debulking' or partial surgery. he later underwent a second surgery to remove all signs of cancer. he was fortunate.   others who have this same disease often are told that the cancer is too widespred and inoperable. their doctors will offer only chemotherapy. yet, i know of many of these same patients who have gone out and found a surgeon that will operate on them . . and have been successful. it happens with chilling frequency.  so, if you have been told that your cancer is not operable . . please go get a second or third opinon. do some research. talk to other patients.  don't give up. good luck to you.