Surgical oncology
Where surgical innovation meets compassionate cancer care
For decades, Penn Medicine has been at the forefront of surgical breakthroughs, from pioneering minimally invasive and robotic approaches to developing new ways to treat complex cancers. At the same time, our cancer specialists have led advances in radiation therapy, medical oncology, immunotherapy, and supportive care. These strengths combine to create a coordinated approach to surgical oncology that is tailored to each person’s needs.
Surgical oncology care is delivered through the Abramson Cancer Center, Penn Medicine’s flagship, NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, and across the Penn Cancer System, including the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health. That means you’ll receive expert care close to home with access to highly specialized procedures and innovative treatments within the same trusted network. From the first consultation through each step of treatment and follow-up care, our comprehensive approach helps protect your function, support recovery, and improve quality of life.
The role of cancer surgery in your treatment plan
Cancer surgery is often the most effective way to remove tumors and may offer the best chance for a cure in many situations.
At Penn Medicine, treatment planning is a team effort between surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and imaging specialists. This collaboration allows us to determine the right timing and approach for surgery:
- Primary treatment: In many cases, surgery is the main method used to eliminate the cancer from the body.
- Multimodal approach: Surgery is frequently combined with other cancer therapies, like chemotherapy or radiation therapy—to improve overall outcomes.
- Integrated timing: Our team determines the most effective sequence and timing for your care; some patients receive treatment before surgery to shrink tumors, while others receive additional therapy afterward.
Specialized cancer surgeries at Penn Medicine
Penn Medicine offers advanced surgical care for many types of cancer. Our surgeons use open, minimally invasive, and robotic techniques to match the approach to the needs of each patient and condition. Whenever possible, we focus on removing cancer while protecting healthy tissue and function.
Our thoracic surgeons offer advanced options for lung cancer care, including lobectomy performed traditionally or via video or robot assistance. For patients in need of a new and healthy lung, our world-class lung transplant team brings decades of experience and optimal outcomes.
Our neurosurgical team performs skull base surgery to treat complex brain and skull base tumors, including glioblastoma. Penn Medicine is home to a Translational Center of Excellence focused on improving care for this aggressive cancer. We also offer stereotactic radiosurgery with blade-free treatment options including Gamma Knife. Our specialists manage more than 500 skull base tumor cases each year, bringing deep experience to complex procedures.
Penn Medicine is a leader in head and neck cancer care and head and neck surgery. Our surgeons developed transoral robotic surgery (TORS) to access hard-to-reach areas in the throat without large external incisions, helping to preserve speech and swallowing functions. We perform more TORS procedures than any other program in the world.
We treat melanoma and other skin cancers with surgery and coordinated care. Our dermatologic surgeons offer precise removal of skin cancers using Mohs surgery, a procedure that removes cancer layer by layer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
We offer a full range of colorectal procedures, including minimally invasive and robotic techniques, to treat colon and rectal cancers. For selected patients, we provide combination treatments such as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in tandem with tumor removal surgery. Whenever feasible, we perform minimally invasive procedures like transanal surgery for early-stage tumors.
Our breast cancer care team performs lumpectomy and mastectomy using advanced imaging and localization tools such as SAVI SCOUT. Reconstructive surgeons work closely with the cancer team to offer immediate or delayed breast reconstruction, supporting both physical and emotional recovery.
Penn Medicine’s gastrointestinal cancer care specialists team up with highly skilled gastrointestinal surgeons to provide minimally invasive gastrectomy for stomach cancer and surgery for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). We also remove colon polyps and other precancerous growths during colonoscopy, helping prevent cancer before it develops.
Our surgeons perform a high volume of complex hepatobiliary and pancreas procedures. The Whipple procedure, one of the most complex operations for pancreatic cancer, is performed by highly experienced teams, with a focus on precision, safety, and coordinated care.
Penn Medicine is a national leader in liver transplant, offering advanced surgical techniques, access to living donor options, and care from one of the most experienced transplant programs in the region. Our pancreas transplant program is known worldwide for its research and innovations. These intensive procedures are supported by multidisciplinary teams experienced in managing advanced disease.
We offer specialized surgery for sarcoma and other rare cancers affecting bone and soft tissue. Our surgeons focus on limb-sparing approaches whenever possible and work closely with medical and radiation oncologists to design personalized treatment plans.
Penn Medicine’s thyroid surgery team performs a high volume of procedures to remove thyroid and parathyroid cancers while aiming to preserve the vocal cords and nerves that control voice and swallowing. Because they regularly perform complex thyroidectomies and parathyroidectomies, our surgeons bring deep experience and careful technique to every case, helping minimize risks and support better outcomes.
Our specialists offer advanced minimally invasive and robot-assisted surgery for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and paragangliomas, helping reduce recovery time while preserving healthy tissue whenever possible. Surgeons work closely with experts in endocrinology, medical oncology, and imaging to tailor treatment based on each tumor’s behavior and location. For gastrointestinal NETs, care is coordinated with GI cancer specialists to ensure a comprehensive approach that may include surgery, medical therapies, and long-term monitoring.
Our gynecologic surgery and gynecologic cancer care teams collaborate to perform minimally invasive and robotic procedures whenever possible to diagnose and treat cancers of the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and related structures. These approaches aim to reduce pain, preserve function, and shorten recovery. Surgeons work closely with medical and radiation oncologists to develop personalized treatment plans that support both cancer control and long-term quality of life.
Penn Medicine is a national leader in robotic-assisted urologic surgery for urologic cancer care, with experienced surgeons who perform a high volume of prostate, kidney, bladder, and testicular procedures using techniques designed to support cancer control and quality of life. We offer advanced, minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment options including transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) and emerging therapies such as high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), a non-invasive outpatient procedure for selected prostate cancers.
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.
Shaping the future of cancer surgery
At Penn Medicine, surgical oncologists are advancing new technologies and techniques designed to make cancer surgery safer, more precise, and less invasive. Our researchers developed TumorGlow, an injectable dye paired with near-infrared imaging that helps tumors and involved lymph nodes “glow” during surgery. This approach supports more accurate removal of cancer and may lower the risk of recurrence.
We pioneered transoral robotic surgery (TORS), a minimally invasive robotic technique that has transformed care for many head and neck tumors and expanded to treat complex areas such as the upper spine. Penn Medicine teams performed the world’s first robot-assisted spinal tumor resection at the craniocervical junction, the delicate area where the skull and spine connect. These achievements are among many that reflect our commitment to developing more effective and less disruptive surgical options for people facing complex cancers.
Our doctors
Our providers work with you to plan and deliver exceptional treatment and personalized care.
Locations
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