Surgery

The goal of your treatment team at FHCI is complete removal of the cancer without damage to the rest of the body. Sometimes this can is accomplished with surgery. Surgery is the oldest form of cancer treatment, and doctors choose it as a treatment method for about 60 percent of cancer patients, either by itself or in combination with other therapies.

There are seven types of cancer surgery:

  • Curative surgery simply involves 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, the 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.
  • Supportive surgery is used to help with other cancer treatments.
  • 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 or anti-cancer treatment.

Would you like more information?

We are happy to answer any questions and provide additional help. Contact your Care Coordinator for assistance.

Cancer Programs

Bone Marrow Transplant
Florida Hospital Cancer Institute
The Florida Center for Cellular Therapy is Central Florida's first and only comprehensive bone marrow transplant center for both adult and pediatric patients. Since 1996, we've performed more than 350 blood and marrow transplants.
Read More

Brain & Spinal Cancer
Florida Hospital Cancer Institute
When it comes to detecting, diagnosing and treating brain or spinal tumors, the Florida Hospital Brain and Spinal Cancer Program has a reputation for excellence in treating both pediatric and adult brain and spinal tumors.
Visit Site

Breast Cancer
Florida Hospital Cancer Institute
At the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute (FHCI) we are pushing the very boundaries of breast cancer care by offering you the very latest technologies, state-of-the-art treatments and the highest level of professional care available in the region.
Visit Site

Colorectal Cancer
Florida Hospital Cancer Institute
Our Colorectal Cancer Team includes experts who are among the best and most experienced physicians in the country. Our nurses, board-certified physicians and other cancer specialists are leading the way in developing advanced therapies for the continued fight against colorectal cancer.
Read More

Gynecologic Cancer
Florida Hospital Cancer Institute
The Gynecologic Oncology Center is nationally recognized as a leader in cancer research and treatment. Our team of distinguished and skilled oncologists is not only well regarded in the region, but nationally and internationally as well for their expertise, knowledge and professionalism.
Visit Site

Head & Neck Cancer
Florida Hospital Cancer Institute
The Head and Neck Cancer Program at the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute includes Central Florida's largest group of otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat surgeons), as well as radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and other specialists.
Visit Site

Lung/Esophageal Cancer
Florida Hospital Cancer Institute
The Florida Hospital Thoracic Cancer Program is comprised of the country’s leading experts in the field who provide a multidisciplinary approach for the diagnosis and treatment of thoracic cancers.
Visit Site

Pediatric Cancer
Florida Hospital Cancer Institute
At the forefront of cancer and blood diseases, Florida Hospital for Children believes that your child deserves the very best care available. The Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood is proud to be one of the few Children’s Oncology Group (COG) programs in central Florida.
Visit Site

Urology Cancer
Florida Hospital Cancer Institute
The Florida Hospital Urologic Cancer Program’s multidisciplinary team collaborates to create customized treatment plans for each individual patient which include more comprehensive services, state-of-the-art technology and leading research than any other program in the area.
Read More