Surgical Oncology
Experienced surgical oncology care teams at Ascension sites of care diagnose, stage and treat cancer using advanced surgical techniques.
When you choose cancer centers and cancer surgery at Ascension sites of care, you get a care team that is part of a national network. Our experienced cancer specialists share best practices and the latest in cancer treatment and research – bringing the best of cancer care to you. Every appointment with your surgical oncologist starts with a compassionate conversation. Your surgeon answers your questions and gets to know you. So, you get a personalized cancer care plan. And with a plan, comes hope. We will help you navigate your care and will be by your side every step of the way, connecting the dots. Our goal is to help you get back to home, family, life and self sooner.
Advanced cancer surgery options at Ascension sites of care
Depending on your care plan, surgical treatment for cancer can be a stand-alone treatment or combined with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and reconstructive plastic surgery. At Ascension sites of care, your surgical care team uses the latest techniques and image-guided technology. Whether your tumor requires complex open surgery or minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery, our goal is to remove tumors with precision, preserve healthy tissue and shorten your recovery time. Surgery may not always be the first option. But when it is recommended, your doctor will provide a personalized surgical care plan to guide you before surgery and help support you as you recover.
We offer many procedures to diagnose and treat your type of cancer, including:
We offer many procedures to diagnose and treat your type of cancer, including:
- Biopsy (tissue test) of a tumor
- Complete tumor and regional lymph node removal
- Implanted central line, PICC line and chemotherapy pump infusion
- Intraperitoneal chemotherapy (surgery followed by heated chemotherapy delivered inside the abdomen)
- Mapping of lymph system for breast cancer and melanoma (skin cancer) care
- Precancerous growth removal
- Staging cancer using minimally invasive procedures
- Surgical management of cancer-related symptoms
- Surgical removal of a benign (not cancerous) or cancerous tumor
At some of our Ascension sites of care, specialists deliver cutting-edge interventional oncology treatments, such as chemoembolization, Yttrium-90 radioembolization and radiofrequency ablation. These are procedures that either deliver targeted medication, radiation or heat energy to help shrink and treat tumors in difficult locations, including the liver.
Plastic surgery and breast reconstruction after primary surgery
If you are interested in plastic surgery or breast reconstruction after cancer surgery, such as after mastectomy or lumpectomy, talk to your surgeon about a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons. At Ascension sites of care, we provide options, including laser surgery to help remove a scar, facial reconstruction, tissue flaps, breast implants, nipple reconstruction and skin grafts. Your care team works with you to create a care plan to help you feel more like yourself again.
Surgical treatments with enhanced recovery options
Surgeons at Ascension sites of care use the latest surgical techniques to help improve your recovery. Your care team may also refer to enhanced recovery pathways as part of your surgical care plan. They are an important part of our cancer treatment programs. Each pathway is personalized for different types of cancer treatments, to help speed up your recovery after surgery. Throughout your care, your care team uses these protocols to help you prepare for what to expect before, during and after surgery.
Compassionate, personalized care from surgical oncology specialists
You’ll have face-to-face visits with your specialist and you’ll have an entire care team, dedicated to your care. Your surgical care team coordinates care closely with your medical oncologist and radiation oncologist. Your surgery is carefully planned to target your cancer and help reduce the impact on surrounding tissue.
Across our national network, we deliver the latest surgical treatment options delivered by highly trained specialists for many types of cancer, including:
- Brain cancer
- Breast cancer
- Blood cancers, such as lymphoma
- Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, including colon, liver and pancreas
- Gynecologic cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Chest and lung cancer
- Prostate cancer and urologic cancers
- Skin cancer
If you want to learn more about other possible options, including radiation therapy and medical oncology, talk to your doctor. You may want to ask whether cancer clinical trials are the right option for your care.
Benefits of surgical oncology at Ascension sites of care
At Ascension sites of care, you’ll find a care team that focuses on the whole you – your physical and emotional health. From your first surgical consultation and throughout your ongoing care, you and your doctor will stay connected. When you come in for your surgery and follow-up appointments, know that we’re maintaining strict precautions to keep you safe in our care. Your care team also helps schedule your appointments with other cancer support services, including:
- Home healthcare
- Medication management
- Nutrition counseling
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation services
- Wound healing specialists
Cancer centers and clinics at Ascension sites of care provide many types of services to support your care plan and recovery, including genetic screening, testing and counseling, supportive palliative care, social services and spiritual care. Find a location near you. [link to FAL/cancer center].
Get a second opinion on your surgical care plan
Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension sites of care. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized care plan.
When you are facing a new diagnosis or are deciding on a surgical care plan, there’s a lot to think about. Our cancer specialists can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of an integrated national network of care.
Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
Financial assistance and support is available
We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs.