About When Surgery May Be Recommended Advanced Surgical Techniques Cancer Surgeons

Cancer Surgery

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Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be a moment of personal crisis.

Look to UC San Diego Health surgeons to walk side by side with you, fighting your cancer with the latest technologies, advanced surgical techniques, and skillful multidisciplinary teams.

When Surgery May Be Recommended

Your doctor may recommend surgery to:

Remove your cancer
Treat symptoms associated with your disease
Prevent cancer from developing if you are at high risk for certain cancers
Diagnose or stage your cancer
Restore appearance or function following cancer treatment

Advanced Surgical Techniques

Our surgical oncologists use a full spectrum of advanced surgical techniques, including robotic technology, combined therapies, scarless surgery techniques and other minimally invasive procedures to aggressively fight cancer. Expect your UC San Diego Health surgeon to use minimally invasive techniques, when possible, to shorten your hospital stay, and help you recover faster with less pain.

We are the only health system in San Diego performing robotically assisted minimally invasive colon and rectal surgery and we are a high-volume center for minimally invasive prostatectomy (surgery to remove prostate cancer). We are also internationally recognized for our expertise in:

Whipple procedure, a complex surgery to treat pancreatic cancer
HIPEC treatments for challenging abdominal cancers
Surgery to remove gastrointestinal stromal tumors, also called GISTs

These are a few examples of the advanced surgical care offered at UC San Diego Health.

Surgical Oncologists A team approach to your care

Your cancer surgeon is part of a multidisciplinary team that may include medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, genetic counselors, oncology nurses and social workers to provide truly comprehensive care. Your surgeon is specially trained and focused on specific procedures and diseases to provide you with the highest level of care. Find a surgical oncologist.

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Cancer Treatment Programs

San Diego's Best Cancer Care

At UC San Diego Health, you find cancer specialists who are experienced and skilled in treating all types of cancer.

Cancer Treatment Programs

Patient & Family Support Services

At UC San Diego Health, your care goes beyond treating disease. It also includes supporting you and your loved ones emotionally throughout your cancer journey. Most of our support services are free.

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Counseling & Therapy

Support Groups & Classes

Nutrition Counseling & Classes

Financial Counseling