Treatment and Symptom Management of Cancer

Your treatment plan is tailored specifically to you. Depending on your health, type of cancer and stage of cancer, treatment can include:

What is Surgical Oncology?

When cancer is suspected, often the first cancer specialist you will meet is a surgeon. Surgery is usually the first method used for diagnosing and treating cancer. Surgery may be performed to:

  • Prevent cancer by removing growths.
  • Determine the cancer stage and progression.
  • Remove the entire tumor (curative).
  • Remove a majority of the tumor (tumor reduction).
  • Alleviate pain or other complications (palliative surgery).
  • Reconstruct affected areas (breast reconstruction, facial).

Surgical Oncology at Guthrie

  • Board-certified specialists – Our surgical oncologists received additional specialty training in cancer surgery. Each surgical oncologist focuses his or her practice on the management of a specific cancer type. Your surgeon is part of a team of oncologists working together to provide you the best care possible.
  • Robotic surgery – Using the da Vinci robot in complex procedures allows for more precision, flexibility and control than by conventional methods. You can expect a quicker recovery and less pain and scarring. Our surgeons use robot-assisted surgery for:
    • Colorectal cancers
    • Urological cancers
    • Gynecological cancers
  • Multidisciplinary conference – Doctors and providers from across specialties meet biweekly to discuss every patient and organize the best treatment for her or him across the system.
  • Nurse navigator and social worker – Cancer nurse navigators help you understand your diagnosis and guide you through the health system. Social workers provide emotional support and guide you to helpful community resources.