The Department of Surgical Oncology at City of Hope Phoenix provides a variety of surgical procedures to treat cancer and cancer-related symptoms. Our team is staffed by surgical oncologists, as well as anesthesiologists, surgical technicians, physician’s assistants, and wound care-certified registered nurses.
Because many of our patients come to us with complex and advanced-stage cancers, the surgical oncology team is experienced in providing advanced surgical procedures for all types and stages of disease.
Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) is now City of Hope®, joining forces to expand patient access to personalized, comprehensive cancer care.
Surgical oncology is a cancer care field that focuses on using surgery to diagnose, stage and treat cancer, and to manage certain cancer-related symptoms. Our surgical oncologists have years of experience in performing surgical procedures for numerous types of cancer. We also may perform palliative surgeries to control pain and increase your comfort level. Whether you are a candidate for surgery depends on factors such as the type, size, location, grade and stage of the tumor, as well as general health factors such as age, physical fitness and any coexisting medical conditions you may have.
At City of Hope, our surgical oncologists will discuss the surgical options available to you and recommend a treatment plan designed to meet your individual needs. For many patients, surgery may be combined with other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy or hormone therapy. Nonsurgical treatments may be administered before surgery (known as neoadjuvant therapy) or after surgery (known as adjuvant therapy) to help prevent cancer growth, metastasis or recurrence. Our reconstructive surgeons perform various procedures designed to restore the body's appearance and function when possible, either at the time of or following surgery.
Our surgical oncology team at City of Hope Phoenix includes surgical oncologists and surgeons with advanced training in various surgical techniques, as well as nurses, surgical technicians, anesthesiologists and other cancer professionals with diverse expertise in treating a wide variety of types and stages of cancer. We work closely with you to find surgical options personalized to your individual needs and preferences, so you can feel confident in your treatment decisions.
Prior to surgery, we will explain what you can expect, answer your questions and help you feel comfortable with an upcoming procedure.
During surgery, our pathologists evaluate tissue samples as they are removed and provide pathology results immediately. This helps your surgical oncology remove as much cancerous tissue as possible during surgery, reducing the likelihood that you will have to undergo multiple surgeries.
After surgery, your care team will work with you to help prevent and manage side effects. You may also choose to undergo reconstructive surgery to restore appearance or function.
Our experienced surgeons have performed thousands of procedures, including minimally invasive surgical procedures, that may be used to help reduce side effects and shorten recovery.
Whether a patient is a candidate for surgery depends on factors such as the location, size, type, grade and stage of the tumor, as well as age, general health and other factors. The goal of surgery may be to remove the tumor (e.g., excisions, resections, debulking surgery), reconstruct a part of the body (e.g., restorative surgery), and/or to relieve symptoms such as pain (e.g., palliative surgery).
For some patients, surgery may be combined with other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy or hormone therapy, administered before or after surgery to stop cancer growth, spread or recurrence.
Early in the treatment planning process, we plan for and proactively manage side effects from surgery. Our nutritionists, rehabilitation therapists and naturopathic clinicians work together with your surgical oncologist to support your healing and quality of life. Our reconstructive surgeons perform procedures to restore the body's appearance and function, often at the time of surgery or following surgery.
