Important Announcements

Campus Construction Update

The Menino building lobby entrance is currently closed. This, along with the ongoing Yawkey building entrance closure, will help us bring you an even better campus experience that matches the exceptional care you've come to expect. Please enter the Menino and Yawkey buildings through the Moakley building, and make sure to leave extra time to get to your appointment. Thank you for your patience. 

Click here to learn more about our campus redesign. 

Nondiscrimination Policy Update

Boston Medical Center Health System complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency and primary language), religion, culture, physical or mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression. BMCHS provides free aids and services to people with disabilities and free language services to people whose primary language is not English.

To read our full Nondiscrimination Statement, click here.
 

 

What is surgical oncology? 

Surgical oncology is a branch of oncology in which tumors – and potentially nearby tissues – are removed to help treat cancer.  

What conditions do surgical oncologists treat? 

Surgical oncologists can treat solid tumors (i.e., not blood cancers). Some of the types of cancer most commonly treated by surgical oncologist include: 

  • Breast cancer 
  • Colon cancer 
  • Gallbladder cancer 
  • Kidney cancer 
  • Liver cancer 
  • Lung cancer 
  • Pancreatic cancer 
  • Prostate cancer 
  • Skin cancer 
  • Thyroid cancer 
  • Uterine cancer 

What services does surgical oncology offer? 

  • Biopsies to diagnose cancer 
  • Cancer prevention, such as preventive mastectomy  
  • Surgeries to remove tumors, including curative surgery (when the whole tumor is removed) and debulking (removing part of a tumor) 
  • Palliative surgery, which eases symptoms such as pain 
  • Reconstructive surgery after surgery to remove tumors 

What should I expect during my first visit? 

You might first see a surgical oncologist before your cancer is even diagnosed. This is because surgical oncologists often perform biopsies to help diagnose cancer or see how far it has spread. 

When you first meet with your surgical oncologist after a cancer diagnosis, they’ll explain your treatment options and help you decide which is best for you. Once you make a decision, they’ll schedule your surgery. 

What should I expect as I continue to receive care? 

Once you, your surgeon, and the rest of your care team decide on a course of treatment, you’ll get instructions for your surgery. The next time you see your surgeon will be on the day of the surgery itself.  

Before your surgery, they’ll make sure you’re prepared correctly and that everything is ready for them. After your surgery, the surgeon will give you an update on how the surgery went and what your next steps are. 

 

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