Surgical Oncology

About surgical oncology

The goal of surgery is to remove all or as much of the cancer as possible. It is used to treat many types of cancer, alone or in conjunction with other treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiation therapy. These other treatments may take place before, during or after surgery.

Surgery works best for solid tumors that are contained in one area, such as the breast, lung or colon. Depending on your type of cancer and how advanced it is, surgery can be used to:

• Remove the entire tumor.
• Remove some of a cancer tumor (debulking), when removing an entire tumor might damage an organ or the body. Removing part of a tumor can help other treatments work better.
• Ease cancer symptoms.

Surgery may also be used to diagnose cancer and determine whether it has spread to other areas, as well as to prevent cancer.

Types of cancer surgery

Main Line Health surgeons provide comprehensive surgical services using the latest research and advanced technology to deliver specialized care. Our surgeons are skilled in using minimally invasive and robotic surgery techniques for many kinds of cancer. Types of surgery include:

• Minimally invasive and robotic surgery
• Laser surgery
• Reconstructive surgery
• Single key hole surgery
• Cryosurgery
• Biopsy procedures
• Bloodless medicine and surgery

Your Cancer Care team will develop an individualized plan that works best for you and your particular cancer.

Accredited by the American College of Surgeons

Main Line Health has been accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer as a Surgical Quality Partner. This accreditation demonstrates that we have met stringent criteria for comprehensive cancer care and reflects our dedication to excellence in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship care.