Surgical Oncology
Surgical oncologists focus on the surgical management of tumors. They use surgical methods - minimally invasive options, when available - to diagnose, stage and treat cancer and to relieve cancer-related symptoms. Surgical oncologists work in conjunction with medical and radiation oncologists to provide the best treatment possible for cancer patients. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or hormone therapy, in any combination.
Surgical oncologists are more than surgical technicians. They also understand the biology and natural history of cancers so they can determine if surgery is a viable option. For some patients, surgery is the best choice for evaluation and treatment, but for others, it is not feasible.
Surgical oncologists treat conditions such as:
- Benign diseases of the pancreas and liver
- Bowel cancer
- Gynecologic cancer
- Gastrointestinal cancers
- Liver cancer
- Melanoma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Pancreatic and hepatobiliary cancers
- Soft tissue sarcomas
- Stomach cancer