Surgical Oncology
You'll receive expert, compassionate care from nationally recognized surgeons with expertise in your specific condition.
Medically reviewed on Oct. 05, 2023.
Specialized Team-Based Surgical Care
Surgical oncology focuses on the surgical treatment of cancer. This includes biopsies to examine a small piece of tissue for cancer and removing cancerous tumors.
Our board-certified surgeons have specialized training in all areas of surgical oncology. Our teams of surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and plastic surgeons tailor your care to your specific type of cancer. You’ll receive the most advanced care available based on leading scientific knowledge.
On this page
Surgical Oncology Specialty Areas
UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center offers several specialties within surgical oncology. Each specialty focuses on a specific type of cancer.
Eye Cancer Surgery
Our eye cancer procedures focus on preserving your sight, improving your quality of life, and preventing cancer from spreading.
Gynecologic Oncology Surgery
We diagnose and treat female reproductive system (gynecologic) cancers that affect your cervix, ovaries, uterus and vulva. Our gynecologic surgical oncologists offer minimally invasive procedures, including robotic-assisted laparoscopy.
Neurological Oncology Surgery
The neurological oncology team uses advanced technologies and procedures to help you overcome brain and neurological cancers. These include computer-generated, image-guided surgical navigation.
Orthopaedic Oncology Surgery
Our orthopaedic musculoskeletal oncology service treats noncancerous and cancerous tumors in your bones and soft tissue. We offer limb-sparing and reconstructive procedures.
Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Oncology Surgery
The head and neck oncology team provides tumor removal and reconstructive surgeries for your head and neck. This includes your mouth, voice box (larynx), throat, thyroid and other structures.
Thoracic Oncology Surgery
Our thoracic oncology program is a national and international center of excellence. We treat conditions including lung cancer, mesothelioma, esophageal cancer and thymoma.
Urologic Oncology Surgery
The urologic oncology team has expertise in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery. We treat cancers that affect your prostate, bladder, kidneys and testicles.
Request an Appointment
Our cancer specialists provide thorough evaluations and personalized treatment plans. Learn more about how to make an appointment at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Patients
New Patient Referral Office
UC Davis Health Referring Physicians
For providers in UC Davis Medical Group or our Cancer Care Network
Physician Referral Center
External Referring Physicians
For providers who are external clinicians
Referral Office
Conditions
Preparing for Surgical Oncology Treatment
There are many types of cancer surgery. Your preparation will depend on the type of procedure you need. Some surgeries, like biopsies, may require a local anesthetic and no hospital stay. Other procedures may need general anesthesia and hospitalization. We will provide instructions for you to prepare for your surgery.
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Pre-Operation
Our team will discuss the details of your procedure with you. We will put an IV into your arm to receive fluids and medications if your surgery requires general anesthesia.
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During Surgery
We give you a medication in your IV that puts you into a deep sleep if your procedure requires general anesthesia. You will not be awake or feel pain during your surgery. Your anesthesiologist will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels throughout your procedure.
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Post-Operation
Your provider will give you recovery instructions after your procedure. Depending on your surgery, you may go home the same day or stay in the hospital for a few days.
Home Care After Surgical Oncology Treatment
Your recovery time will depend on the type of surgery you had. Follow the instructions your provider gave you after your procedure.
Rest and Recover
Your body needs rest to recover from a surgical procedure. If you had anesthesia medications during your surgery, they may stay in your system for up to 24 hours.
Keep Your Incision Clean
Practice proper wound care according to the instructions your provider gave you. Keep your incision clean and dry.
Take Medications as Prescribed
Depending on your procedure, your provider may prescribe antibiotics, pain medication, stool softeners and other medicines. Take them according to your provider’s instructions.
Awards and Recognitions
Ranked among the nation’s best hospitals
A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cancer, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, diabetes & endocrinology, ENT, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology & lung surgery.
Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals
U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in neonatology, nephrology, orthopedics*, pediatric & adolescent behavioral health, and pulmonology & lung surgery. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and high-performing in back surgery, COPD, colon cancer surgery, gynecological cancer surgery, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, kidney failure, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, stroke, TAVR, and gastroenterology & GI surgery.
The nation’s highest nursing honor
UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.
World-class cancer care
One of ~56 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.
A leader in health care equality
For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.
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