Home > Encyclopedia of Cancer > Lobectomy

Definition

A lobectomy is the removal of a lobe of one of the organs, usually referring to the brain, the lung, or the liver.

Purpose

Lobectomies are usually performed to prevent the spread of cancer from part of one organ to other parts of the organ or other parts of the body. Lobectomies are also performed on patients with severe seizure disorders (such as some forms of epilepsy) to prevent further seizures. However, there are differences in each of the three organs on which lobectomies may be performed.

Description

The brain

Each lobe of the brain performs a different function, and when part of...