Cancer Surgery
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.
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.
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.
Cancer Care When You Need It
The same-day cancer care clinic at UC San Diego Health provides fast, expert treatment for urgent cancer-related symptoms, improving patient care and quality of life.
Beating B-Cell Lymphoma
Katie Kinninger, UC San Diego retiree and cancer survivor, overcame B-cell lymphoma with CAR T-cell therapy, a type of immunotherapy. Now, she surfs, bikes and embraces life fully.
A Strike Against Pancreatic Cancer
Former MLB pitcher Danny Boitano faced his toughest opponent — pancreatic cancer. With resilience, top care at UC San Diego Health and faith, he is beating the odds.