# Debulking

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**Debulking** is the reduction of as much of the bulk ([volume](/source/Volume)) of a [tumour](/source/Neoplasm) without the intention of a complete eradication. It is usually achieved by [surgical](/source/Surgery) removal.[1][2] When performed for curative intent, it is a different procedure, which is called surgical debulking of tumors is known as **cytoreduction** or **cytoreductive surgery**[3] (**CRS**); "cytoreduction" refers to reducing the number of tumor cells. Debulking is used with [curative intent](/source/Cure) in only some types of [cancer](/source/Cancer), as generally partial removal of a [malignant](/source/Malignancy) tumor is not a worthwhile intervention for curative purposes (because malignant cells left behind soon multiply and renew the threat). [Ovarian cancer](/source/Ovarian_cancer)[4] and some types of [brain tumor](/source/Brain_tumor)[5] are debulked before [radiotherapy](/source/Radiation_therapy) or [chemotherapy](/source/Chemotherapy) begin, making those therapies more effective. It may also be used in the case of slow-growing tumors [clarification needed].

In other types of cancer where debulking is not curative, it is sometimes done with [palliative intent](/source/Palliative_care) to relieve [mass effect](/source/Mass_effect_(medicine)). For example, tumors whose bulk presses on the lungs or esophagus can impair breathing or swallowing, in which case debulking can improve [quality of life](/source/Quality_of_life)[1] and extend [survival](/source/Survival_analysis)[1] regardless of not curing the cancer.

Debulking procedures are usually long and complex, taking several hours or more to perform, depending on the extent of internal involvement and location.

## References

1. National Cancer Institute, ["NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: debulking"](https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms?cdrid=559371), retrieved 2016-12-01

1. Silberman, AW (1982), "Surgical debulking of tumors.", *Surg Gynecol Obstet*. **155** (4): 577–585, [PMID 6750827](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6750827)

1. Johns Hopkins Medicine Department of Surgery, ["Cytoreductive Surgery and Heated Chemotherapy"](http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/surgery/about/innovations/hipec.html), retrieved 2016-12-01

1. American Cancer Society, ["Surgery for ovarian cancer"](http://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovariancancer/detailedguide/ovarian-cancer-treating-surgery), retrieved 2016-12-01

1. American Brain Tumor Association, ["Brain Tumor Surgery"](https://web.archive.org/web/20161202035535/http://www.abta.org/brain-tumor-treatment/treatments/surgery.html), archived from [the original](http://www.abta.org/brain-tumor-treatment/treatments/surgery.html) on 2016-12-02, retrieved 2016-12-01

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Debulking](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debulking) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debulking?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.