Treatment: Surgery
Subtotal resection
Subtotal resection is the removal of part but not all of the visible tumor, often done when complete removal would be unsafe.
In short: Subtotal resection
- It is removal of part, but not all, of the visible tumor.
- It is often done when complete removal would be unsafe.
- It can still relieve symptoms and reduce tumor burden.
- It is usually followed by additional treatment.
What it is
Subtotal resection is the surgical removal of part — but not all — of the visible tumor. It is often performed when removing the entire tumor would be unsafe (for example, because part of it involves critical brain areas), and it can still provide benefits.
Understanding Subtotal resection
Sometimes a glioma cannot be completely removed without unacceptable risk to function — for instance, when part of the tumor is intertwined with critical areas controlling movement, language, or other vital functions. In such cases, the surgeon removes as much as can be safely taken, leaving some tumor behind (subtotal resection). This still offers benefits: it reduces the bulk of the tumor (which can relieve pressure and symptoms), may improve seizure control, provides ample tissue for diagnosis, and can improve the effectiveness of subsequent treatments. After a subtotal resection, additional treatment (radiation, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy) is generally used to address the remaining tumor. The decision to perform a subtotal rather than gross total resection reflects the priority of preserving function. Understanding subtotal resection clarifies partial removal when complete removal is unsafe.
Why it matters
Understanding subtotal resection helps patients and families see why a surgeon may remove only part of a glioma — to preserve function when complete removal is unsafe — while still gaining benefits, with further treatment addressing the remainder.
Common questions
What is subtotal resection?
Removal of part, but not all, of the visible tumor.
Why is it done?
Often when complete removal would be unsafe.
What follows it?
Usually additional treatment to address the remaining tumor.
Bottom line
Subtotal resection is removal of part of the visible tumor, often when complete removal would be unsafe, still providing benefits and usually followed by additional treatment.
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