Specialties & Services

Surgical Oncology

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. And knowing that you need cancer removal surgery can cause additional stress. We understand. Our surgical oncology program includes experienced surgeons who provide the latest in procedural patient care in a safe, compassionate environment.

 Find a provider Request an appointment

Surgical oncology: Why choose us?

Cancer surgery can be lifesaving and is often a key part of cancer treatment. BJC HealthCare offers excellent care for all types of cancer, at any stage. Our Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine, along with its five satellite locations, is designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). In addition to Siteman locations, BJC HealthCare offers comprehensive and convenient care in locations across the region. Our Missouri Baptist Medical Center program is ranked among the top regional hospitals by U.S. News & World Report as high performing in colon cancer surgery, lung cancer surgery, and prostate cancer surgery.  

  • Multidisciplinary team: We bring multiple experts together to develop the best cancer treatment plan for you. Surgical oncologists partner with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and oncology nurses to ensure all your needs are met.
  • Minimally invasive options: Our surgeons use the latest minimally invasive methods, including laparoscopic, robot-assisted and laser surgery options. These techniques offer a faster recovery with smaller incisions and less pain.
  • Compassionate care: It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and anxious about surgery. Our team takes the time to answer your questions and provide the emotional or mental health support you need. Decades of experience has taught us that when treating cancer, comfort and compassion are just as important as the science of medicine.
  • National recognition: Our cancer care includes the world-leading Siteman Cancer Center. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Siteman among the top cancer centers in the nation. Missouri Baptist is also nationally accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC).
  • Care navigators: We make the cancer treatment journey easier so you can focus on healing. You receive a dedicated care navigator who schedules appointments and provides you with resources for transportation, emotional support, and other needs.
Doctor and nurse in surgery room

The Siteman approach to surgical oncology

In most cases, when the tumor can be removed, surgery is the best option for cure. When the tumor has spread beyond the initial site or when surgeons can’t be sure they removed all the cancer cells, surgery may be done in conjunction with radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

What is surgical oncology?

Surgical oncology, or cancer surgery, has been a key part of cancer treatment for decades. Thanks to clinical trials and new discoveries, this field of medicine is always changing and improving. Our surgeons are on the forefront of this research, and they are knowledgeable in the latest and most effective cancer surgeries.

Depending on your needs, we may recommend cancer surgery for:

  • Diagnosis and staging: We may perform a biopsy (take a tissue sample) to diagnose cancer and determine the stage of cancer. Our surgeons provide the full range of biopsy techniques, including minimally invasive fine needle aspiration, image-guided biopsies, and surgical biopsies. Our specialists discuss the results with you and answer all your questions.
  • Cancer treatment: Our surgeons have specialized training in cancer excision and resection (tumor removal surgery). Their knowledge and expertise allow them to perform a wide range of surgeries and choose the one that’s best for you.
  • Cancer prevention: People with a strong family history of cancer or certain risk factors may benefit from cancer prevention surgery. Examples include a preventive mastectomy for breast cancer or prophylactic oophorectomy (removal of your ovaries). These surgeries are a big decision, and our team is here to help you make an informed one.

Search for a specialist

Our highly trained team of specialists offers advanced treatments as well as compassionate, personalized care.

What types of cancer surgery do we provide?

Our team carefully evaluates your health history and the tumor type, stage, and location. We customize a surgery plan that will provide you with optimal results. No matter what type or stage of cancer you have, we’re here to help at each step.

We provide a full range of cancer surgeries, from routine to complex procedures. Our surgeons are experienced in:

Cryosurgery

 Our surgeons use special tools that freeze abnormal or cancerous cells to destroy them. This technique is effective for early-stage liver, prostate, and skin cancers.

Endoscopy

 We use advanced endoscopy techniques to biopsy or remove cancer through a natural body opening like your throat. Our surgeons insert an endoscope (thin, flexible tube with a camera) into your body, and you have no outside incisions.

Laparoscopic surgery

 This technique allows surgeons to see inside your body without large incisions. During laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon makes several small incisions. They perform surgery using a laparoscope (thin, lighted tube with a camera) and slim surgical instruments.

Laser and radiofrequency surgery

 These techniques use heat to target and destroy cancerous cells, rather than making incisions.

Mohs surgery

 Mohs is an advanced type of skin cancer surgery that involves removing one thin layer of skin at a time. As the surgeon removes each layer, they examine it under a microscope for signs of cancer. Mohs often results in less scarring than other skin cancer surgeries, but it's only effective for certain skin cancer cases.

Robot-assisted surgery

 Several of our surgeons are skilled in using a surgical robot to assist with cancer surgery. With this technique, the surgeon controls robotic arms instead of using their own hands. The robotic arms are slim, steady, and precise, and they can maneuver and turn in ways that a human wrist can't.

What non-surgical treatments are offered for cancer?

Cancer surgery is an effective way to treat many different solid tumors. Our surgeons provide a wide range of leading-edge procedures, either alone or with other treatments like:

Chemotherapy and Medical Oncology
Our cancer centers provide the latest, most effective chemotherapy and medical oncology treatments with a personalized, compassionate approach.

Immunotherapy and Genetics
Our immunotherapy team is knowledgeable in the latest immunotherapy options to treat cancer. We use advanced genetics to tailor your treatment.

Radiation Oncology
Our radiation oncology team features board-certified radiation oncologists, physicists, and cancer biologists who specialize in the latest radiation therapies.

Locations near you.