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Surgical Oncology

USA Health surgical oncologists in Mobile, Alabama, use the latest technology to remove tumors from people with common cancers to the most complex cases.

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Surgical Oncology at USA Health

For cancers that involve a malignant tumor—a solid mass of cancerous cells—it’s critical that the tumor be eliminated. At USA Health, such cases are discussed in a multidisciplinary gathering called a tumor board. Team members consider the details of each case and collectively determine the best course of treatment. Sometimes it involves chemotherapy or radiation to help reduce the size of the tumor. Many times it involves surgery. That’s when a surgical oncologist can help.

USA Health surgical oncologists are board certified in surgery, often in more than one specialty. They train extensively in the latest surgical techniques, including minimally invasive procedures where appropriate. They are experienced at using the most state-of-the-art surgical techniques, such as the da Vinci robot.

Surgical Oncology Specialties

The surgical oncologists at USA Health each specialize in a particular area of the body:

Breast

Breast cancer surgery removes malignant growths in one or both breasts. With many years of experience, our dedicated breast surgeon is able to offer patients surgical options that preserve as much of the breast as possible.

Gynecologic

Gynecologic surgery refers to procedures that remove tumors associated with ovarian, cervical, endometrial and uterine cancer. Our surgeons are the only ones in the region using the daVinci robot to address gynecologic cancers.

Liver

Liver surgery is an especially challenging cancer procedure. At USA Health, our surgical oncology team performs liver resections to remove the portion of the organ affected by liver metastases (secondary liver cancer). USA Health performed the first robotic liver resection in south Alabama and Mississippi in 2019. 

Gastrointestinal (GI)

The surgical oncology team addresses colon and colorectal cancers that involve tumors in the rectum or large intestine.

Melanoma

USA Health surgical specialists remove cancerous growths on the skin, including melanoma, a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer.

Pancreatic

Surgeons use both the distal pancreatectomy and the more common Whipple procedure to eliminate malignant tumors of the pancreas.

Thoracic

Thoracic surgery is performed on the main chest cavity of the body. This usually involves removing a cancerous mass from the lung, but can also involve removing a portion of the lung itself.

Stomach

Our surgical oncologists may use a partial or full gastrectomy to remove the portion of the stomach affected by malignant cells.

Sarcoma

Sarcomas require a multidisciplinary approach with a high level of expertise and experience to treat them successfully because the types vary so much and are so rare. At USA Health, our surgical oncology team provides just that.

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Transforming Surgical Oncology

USA Health surgeons use the most modern techniques and leading-edge technology to treat cancer.

Da Vinci Robotic Surgery System

Complex cancer surgeries are performed in a minimally invasive manner using this surgical apparatus. The oncological surgeon's hand movements are translated into minute, delicate movements that allow the surgeon to excise tumors in regions that require special sensitivity. Using the Da Vinci robotic surgery system, USA Health surgical oncologists performed the first robotic liver resection in south Alabama and Mississippi in 2019.

Firefly Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping

This revolutionary procedure employs the use of a fluorescent dye to indicate the exact location of lymph nodes where cancer has metastasized, causing the nodes to glow like fireflies. Our surgeons use this tool to help locate and removed affected lymph nodes so that cancer is less likely to spread.

Surgical Oncology Providers

The following surgical oncologists and surgeons work as part of a team in our multidisciplinary approach to treating cancer.

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Consult with one of our surgical oncologists or find an USA Health oncologist who can recommend the most appropriate course of treatment for your situation.

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Cancer Clinical Trials

Clinical trials sometimes include new surgical procedures. Find out which trials are currently underway at USA Health and if you would be a good candidate.

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Education and Research

As an academic medical center with a teaching mission, we are transforming medicine from the classroom to the exam room. Find out how.

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