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Two surgical oncologists perform an innovative surgical cancer treatment procedure at AdventHealth Cancer Institute

Recognized Leaders in Surgical Care for Cancer

You have life to lead beyond cancer. We’ll do everything possible to get you there with our experienced team of oncologists, nurses, and surgeons. Collectively, they perform more than 10,000 cancer surgeries every year. In addition to being top-ranked in the nation for robotic gynecologic-oncology surgeries, we’re also the world leader in robotic prostatectomies using the da Vinci® Surgical System. Across the AdventHealth, formerly Florida Hospital, Cancer Institute, we’re putting the latest, most advanced tools to work for you.

Understanding Oncology Surgery

Oncology Surgery: Knowing Your Options

At AdventHealth Cancer Institute, our primary goal will always be to provide comprehensive cancer care to our patients. When surgery is needed for cancer treatment, our multi-disciplinary team of oncology physicians work together to develop a patient-specific approach to treating each diagnosis. While surgery is the oldest form of cancer treatment, our specialized oncology surgeons are continuously pioneering and adopting new advances and technology to remove your cancer more safely and effectively.

There are seven types of cancer surgery:

  • Curative surgery simply involves the complete removal of a cancerous tumor. It works best on localized cancers that haven't yet spread to other parts of the body.
  • Preventive surgery is used to keep cancer from occurring – for instance, removing precancerous polyps before they become malignant.
  • Diagnostic surgery (biopsy): In this procedure, a surgeon removes some or all of a tumor for examination to determine if the growth is cancerous.
  • Staging surgery is used to determine the extent of a cancer. This procedure can sometimes be done without an incision by using tiny cameras (scopes) attached to a flexible tube, which are inserted into natural body openings.
  • Reconstructive surgery returns the body to normal or near-normal appearance or function following cancer treatment. The most common restorative surgery is reconstruction of a breast after a mastectomy.
  • Palliative surgery is only used to ease pain, disability or other complications that come with advanced cancer. Palliative surgery may improve quality of life, but is not a cure of cancer or cancer treatment.
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Preparing For Surgery

You didn’t choose cancer, but you can choose your trusted team that will help you treat it. Surgery is the gold standard for cancer treatment because it’s reliable and produces fast results.

If you and your multidisciplinary team of specialists determine this is the right path for you, you’ll want to know what to expect, and your surgeon, nurses, and Nurse Navigators will thoroughly discuss the potential risks and benefits with you.

Whatever you decide, you’ll have our compassionate team of physical therapists, nutritionists, and counselors within reach, helping you feel empowered and supported in body, mind, and spirit.
 

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A nurse navigator smiles as she guides a patient who is lying in bed through Florida Hospital's advanced surgical oncology program

Personalized Patient Navigation

You’re always supported. And you’ll always know what’s ahead. Your Nurse Navigator will coordinate and communicate every detail of your care, from setting up every appointment to helping you understand what to expect before, during, and after your treatments.

Meet Your Nurse Navigator

News and Events

There’s something new to celebrate every day at the AdventHealth Cancer Institute, whether it’s a groundbreaking clinical trial, an inspiring patient story, or an upcoming community event.

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Treatments That May Accompany Surgery

A cancer patient and a radiation oncology specialist discusses cutting edge cancer treatment procedures and options

Radiation

You may need to undergo short sessions of noninvasive radiation therapy before or after surgery. We also offer a range of innovative treatments such as SpaceOAR to help protect healthy tissue during radiation.

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A patient receiving chemotherapy and a cancer treatment specialist smile as they look at photos on a phone together

Chemotherapy

Before surgery, you may be prescribed doses of chemotherapy, drugs that shrink cancer cells to make them easier to remove. 

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An immotherapist reviews a cancer patient's imaging scans on a tablet

Immunotherapy

This latest strategy for destroying cancer trains your immune system to find and eliminate cancer cells. Immunotherapy drugs may help make your surgery even more successful.

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