UF Health Surgical Oncology in Jacksonville offers patients the latest in surgical technology to accurately diagnose and treat a range of cancers. The division is a key component of the multidisciplinary team of UF physicians within the UF Health Cancer Center in Jacksonville.

Physicians who make up the surgical oncology program at UF Health Jacksonville have helped pioneer many surgical innovations, including minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of esophageal, gastric, adrenal, colon, liver and other cancers.

In addition to offering some of the most advanced treatment options for patients diagnosed with cancer, the division houses a section dedicated to breast surgery with some of the region’s top board-certified, fellowship-trained breast surgeons solely dedicated to this area of treatment.

Surgical oncology: Services

UF Health Surgical Oncology offers some of the most advanced treatment options for patients diagnosed with cancer. Conditions treated include:

• Breast cancer
• Gastrointestinal cancers
  • Colon and rectal cancer
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Gallbladder cancer
  • Hepatobiliary cancers, including liver cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Stomach cancer
• Endocrine tumors (pancreas, adrenal, thyroid, parathyroid)
• Lymph nodes
• Skin cancer (melanoma and nonmelanoma)
• Salivary gland tumors
• Soft tissue tumors (sarcoma)
• Peritoneal surface malignancies (peritoneal carcinomatosis)

Surgical oncology: What to expect

The approach to a patient with the diagnosis of cancer depends upon a number of factors. The patient’s general health is important, as is the type and stage of the tumor (if the tumor has spread and how far). In most cases, a biopsy is taken initially and is examined by a pathologist to identify the type of tumor.

Once the type of cancer is identified, most often the patient will undergo additional testing to determine if the cancer has spread. Testing may include CT scans, MRI and blood tests.

A treatment plan is then developed, with the patient and physician reviewing the best options. Other physicians may be asked to contribute their expertise in the management of the patient.

A significant benefit to the patient is the highly skilled, multidisciplinary team of physicians and nurses at UF Health Jacksonville.