Cancer Surgery
Depend on the START Center for your cancer surgery
Oncology surgery — cancer surgery — encompasses the surgical goals and techniques involved in the prevention and treatment of cancer and the alleviation of its symptoms. At the START Center for Cancer Care, we have assembled a brilliant team of highly experienced surgeons capable of performing your cancer surgery precisely, no matter the type, with the goal of achieving excellent outcomes.
Beyond our understanding of cancer surgery itself, we know all about the emotional stress spurred by the entire ordeal. Therefore, we have devoted ourselves to attending to all of your needs and concerns. Everyone at the START Center will do their utmost to answer your questions, or find someone who can, so that you feel as comfortable as possible.
Oncology Surgery
There are a number of different approaches to cancer surgery that depend on each individual situation. Below are different ways surgery can be used to fight cancer:
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Diagnosis
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Often the only way to determine if someone has cancer is to remove a cluster of suspicious cells and test them, called a biopsy.
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Staging
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Staging surgery is performed to discover exactly how much cancer somebody has and how far it has spread. This helps your cancer-care team determine the best method(s) of treatment for your individual situation.
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Curative
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When cancer is localized, surgery to remove the tumor can effectively cure cancer by removing all malignant cells from the body. Curative surgery can be done in conjunction with chemotherapy or radiation therapy, performed either before or after your procedure.
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Debulking
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This type of surgery partially removes your cancer when full removal would cause excessive damage to the surrounding tissue. The remaining cancer cells are then usually treated with radiation or chemotherapy.
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Palliative
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With advanced cancer, surgery can be performed to alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life, but with no intention of treatment or cure.
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Supportive
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Supportive surgery makes other cancer treatments easier. For example, rather than repuncture the skin for every chemotherapy treatment, a device can be inserted that gives your oncologist easy access to your bloodstream.
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Restorative
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After a serious cancer operation, surgery may be performed to restore a person’s appearance or the function of an organ or body part. For example, breast reconstruction may be performed after a woman undergoes a full mastectomy.
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START's surgeons define excellence in cancer surgery
The surgeons at the START Center for Cancer Care have undergone specialized training in their respective fields. For a list of our surgeons please view the doctors section for more information.
You play an important role in your own surgery
If your doctor has determined that surgery is necessary to treat your cancer, it’s important that you observe all instructions given to you for the sake of your treatment and general safety. If you have any questions, make sure to ask us and we will work with you to resolve any issues.
We will educate you on your surgical plan to help you understand the inevitable risks and possible side effects associated with your surgery. Your understanding of your treatment plan and confidence in our abilities helps us to provide you with effective surgical treatment.
Visit the START Center for Cancer Care or call 210-593-5700 for more information, or to schedule an appointment. You can also schedule an appointment using our easy online form.