Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists in Austin focuses on the surgical management of cancer. In surgical oncology, surgical methods are used to diagnose, stage, and treat cancer. A primary care physician, specialist, or medical oncologist may refer a patient to a surgical oncologist for evaluation and surgery. Surgery may be preventive, diagnostic, involve removing a cancerous tumor, help relieve symptoms, or be reconstructive.
A procedure, such as a biopsy, endoscopy, laparoscopy, or laparotomy, may be conducted to diagnose and stage cancer. During a biopsy, a sample of cells is removed from the body and then examined to determine if there are any cancer cells present. An endoscopy uses a scope to view and examine the inside of the body and a sample of cells can be removed if needed through the scope. In both a laparoscopy and laparotomy, a scope is also used to view inside the body, however an incision is made for the insertion and general anesthesia is used.
The type of surgical treatment used depends on the type, location, and size of the cancer and may be used as a primary treatment or in conjunction with other treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation. Surgery may be done before or after other treatments. Today’s advancements in surgical techniques offer many patients less invasive surgery options. Specialized techniques such as laser, Mohs, laparoscopic, or thorascopic surgery may be used to treat cancer.
As a Texas Oncology patient in Austin, you have access to leading surgical specialists. If your cancer treatment plan calls for surgical procedures, you will have the advantage of your medical oncologist and radiation oncologist working closely with your surgical specialist. For example, as leaders in surgical oncology care, Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists in Austin work closely with local partners at St. David’s Medical Center, proudly establishing a Hepatobiliary-Pancreas Cancer Center of Excellence as one of only five programs nationwide to be designated with The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval®. Guided by nationally recognized best practices for this specialty, Austin surgical specialists are increasing the level and quality of care available to patients in Central Texas.
Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists in Austin offers a Concierge Program, a resource to patients traveling to the Austin area for treatment. This program provides patients and their families a list of lodging options and transportation services for their stay. For more information, ask about our program when scheduling your appointment, or call 512-982-3700 ext. 13748.
Austin Surgical Specialists: