Surgical Oncology

The surgical oncology team at the Vernon Cancer Center focuses on the surgical treatment of solid tumors. Surgery can either be used as a primary form of cancer treatment or offered in conjunction with radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. Serving Greater Boston communities, our cancer surgery team uses state-of-the-art equipment and technology and offers minimally-invasive procedures when appropriate.

Our surgical oncologists diagnose and treat a variety of conditions including:

• Breast cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Endocrine cancer
• Gastrointestinal tumors
• Head and neck tumors
• Lung cancer
• Malignant melanomas
• Soft tissue sarcomas
• Urologic tumors

Patients are often referred to our surgical oncology team by their primary care physicians or by emergency department surgeons.

Our Surgical Oncology Procedures
Our surgical oncologists are experts in their field whose roles include diagnosing cancers, evaluating the extent of the cancers and participating in the therapeutic removal of the cancers. Some of our procedures include:

• Needle biopsy – removal of a small sample of suspicious tissue
• Open biopsy – an incision is made and tissue is removed for pathologist examination
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy – lymph nodes are removed and examined to determine the stage of cancer
• Lumpectomy – removal of suspected cancerous tumor or lump in the breast
• Mastectomy – most or all breast tissue is removed to treat breast cancer
• Surgical treatment of other cancers – tumor and surrounding tissue is removed

Patient-Centered Cancer Surgery
Our surgical oncologists are part of a multidisciplinary health care team at the Vernon Cancer Center. They work closely with the center’s radiation oncologists and medical oncologists to ensure all aspects of a patient’s care are explored. Whenever possible, our surgeons use the latest minimally-invasive techniques to reduce postoperative pain and shorten recovery time for our patients.

Why Choose Us for Your Cancer Surgery
Patients at the Vernon Cancer Center have access to a full range of integrative support services, as well as a patient navigator who works with patients and their families throughout their different stages of treatment. Patients are provided with cancer-related information, education and support and have access to their entire medical team in one place. Our center has received the Commission on Cancer (CoC) three-year Accreditation with Commendation from the American College of Surgeons.