Home > Encyclopedia of Cancer > Stenting

Definition

Stenting is a procedure in which a cylindrical structure (stent) is placed into a hollow tubular organ to provide artificial support and maintain the patency of the opening. Although it is most often used for cardiovascular functioning, it is also utilized to manage obstructions in cancer patients.

Purpose

Stents are used in cancer patients to relieve obstructions due to:

• direct blockages within the tube (or lumen) due to cancer growth
• narrowing of the lumen from tumor growth outside pressing on the tube and narrowing the lumen
• occasionally from the build up of scar tissue (fibrosis) from radiation therapy

Tumors most likely to cause obstruction...