The more common cancers of adolescence are solid tumors. Surgery may be used to accurately diagnose a solid tumor. A biopsy, in which a piece of the tumor is removed and examined, will provide some information about the cancer.

Some cancer patients undergo surgery to implant central lines prior to chemotherapy, as well as remove a localised malignant tumor or organ from the body. With some bone or organ cancers removal of the tumor may require an amputation of part of a limb or removal of an organ and tissue damaged by the cancer.

Surgery is often combined with radiation therapy and chemotherapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of reoccurrence.

"Diagnosed with a Chordoma brain tumour, the oncologist told us about a 17 hour procedure that had only been performed in England three times, but that it could help me. It would involve entering the brain by sawing through the roof of the mouth and the jaw and inserting a piece of fat from my leg in front of my brainstem to protect it from radiation. Luckily for me my surgeon was prepared to attempt the tricky surgery and in June 2000 the operation was performed - successfully!" - Prudence