Surgical Oncology Program
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Our experienced surgical oncologists perform the most advanced cancer treatments for many types of cancer. Patients choose the Overlake Cancer Center for the personalized, coordinated care the team provides – and the convenience of receiving outstanding cancer care closer to home.
When you’re facing treatment for cancer, you want to be in the best hands. Our experienced surgical oncologists collaborate with other specialists on your care team to make your entire treatment plan as effective and seamless as possible. Our surgeons are highly experienced in minimally invasive surgeries which use small incisions, resulting in faster recoveries, less pain, and better preparation for other cancer treatments you may need like chemotherapy or radiation. Patients love our highly personalized care model – which is evident in our patient satisfaction scores that are significantly above the national average at 95%.
Cancers We Treat
We use surgery to help treat many types of cancers including:
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Lung cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Endometrial & Uterine Cancer
- Head and Neck Cancer
- Brain Cancer
Surgical Treatments for Cancer
We offer a wide variety of surgical treatments for cancer, including:
Minimally Invasive, Robotic-Assisted Surgeries
Robotic-assisted surgeries allow our expert surgeons to better visualize smaller tumors and lymph nodes – and more precisely remove them. Robotic-assisted surgery also helps to preserve important nerves for certain cancers including prostate cancer. Research shows that robotic-assisted surgeries can decrease the length of time you need to stay in the hospital, and the amount of pain you have after surgery.
Mastectomy with Aesthetic Flat Closure
If you have breast cancer, our surgeons are experienced in performing aesthetic flat closure at the same time as having a mastectomy. Aesthetic flat closure is sometimes called “chest wall contouring” and results in a smooth, even chest. “Going flat” has become increasingly popular and many women are happy with their decision to do it.
Same-Day Double Mastectomy
Not long ago, a double mastectomy required a 2- or 3-day hospital stay. Now, we can perform a double mastectomy as same-day surgery, allowing you to go home shortly after surgery and recover in the comfort of your home. We do this by thoroughly educating you before surgery so you know exactly how to prepare and what to expect afterwards.
Debulking Surgery
In some cases, it’s not possible to remove an entire tumor, so our surgeons remove as much of the tumor as possible. This type of surgery can help reduce your symptoms. It can also improve how well chemotherapy or radiation therapy will work.
Risk-Reduction Surgery
When genetics put you at a high risk of developing a certain type of cancer, we can perform preventive, risk-reduction surgery including prophylactic mastectomy, oophorectomy (removal of your ovaries) and hysterectomy.
Coordinated, Multidisciplinary Care
It’s a simple truth: care is better when your entire care team is on the same page. We hold weekly meetings where every single member of your care team discusses your specific, unique care plan. Our radiologist reviews your scans, a pathologist reviews your tumor biology, and then, together with your medical, surgical and radiation doctors, they collectively determine the best treatment plan based on your unique tumor biology. And it’s not just doctors who attend this meeting, it’s also your nutritionist, social worker, financial counselor and nurse navigator, all working to make sure you have all the support you need to help you through your entire cancer treatment journey.
Immediately after this meeting – while everything is still fresh in their minds – it’s your turn to meet with the key members of your team. You’ll have plenty of time to review your plan of care and have all your questions answered. When you walk out our doors, you’ll have a detailed idea of what the next several months will look like.
State-of-the-Art Treatment Based on Your Genetics
Our pathologists test cancer tumors for certain tumor markers so we can specifically target those markers in your treatment. This can lead to less toxic, more effective treatments that may include surgery, immunotherapy or infusion therapy.
We also perform risk-reduction surgeries for people who have a genetic risk for developing certain types of cancer. These preventive surgeries can significantly lower your risk of developing certain cancers and also provide peace of mind.
Long-Acting Nerve Blocks for Breast Cancer Surgery
Our anesthesiologists are trained to give pectoralis nerve blocks for breast cancer surgery. Using ultrasound to look at the muscles that line the chest wall, they inject long-acting pain medicine into the chest muscles.
When patients wake up from breast cancer surgery using a nerve block, they have little to no pain. This approach has meant that many patients do not need narcotic pain medicines after surgery and they are able to manage their pain with over-the-counter pain medicines.
Nurse Navigator Support
Going through cancer treatment can be challenging in many ways. Our nurse navigators are here to help you with some of the logistical pieces including scheduling, preparing for appointments and insurance issues. They can also connect you with financial or emotional support, and be that go-to person you can count on to get your questions answered.
Access to Clinical Trials
Overlake partners with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (formerly Seattle Cancer Care Alliance) to provide state-of-the-art cancer care on the Eastside. This partnership gives you access to Fred Hutch’s highly experienced medical oncologists, as well as clinical trials that offer innovative cancer treatments before they’re available to the public.