Definition:
A tumor that cannot be removed completely through surgery.
A tumor may be unresectable for several reasons, including the size of the tumor, the location of the tumor, spread of the tumor to distant sites (metastasis) or other health conditions that could raise the risk of surgery.
Unresectable does not mean that a tumor is untreatable. Other treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be options for a tumor that is unresectable.
Also Known As: inoperable
Examples:
Due to the location of John's tumor - being near his heart - the doctor told him his tumor was unresectable, and that a combination of chemotherapy and radiation would be the best option for his cancer.
