Surgical Oncology

University Surgical Associates, located in Chattanooga, TN specializes in the surgical treatment of:

Our cancer surgeons are highly experienced, compassionate, and dedicated to helping you receive prompt treatment. We offer a variety of oncologic surgery options. Call or contact us online to learn more.

Schedule an Appointment

Monday – Friday

8:30am – 4:30pm

Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is one of the most aggressive and rapidly increasing types of cancer. This disease occurs when tumor cells develop from cells in the liver and divide uncontrollably, which may prevent the liver and other organs from working properly. 

Our liver cancer specialist Dr. Daniel Nelson treats the following liver cancer types.  

Primary liver cancer 

Cancers that begin in the liver are called primary liver cancers. They are named after the types of cells where the cancer begins. These include: 

  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): HCC is the most common primary liver cancer. This tumor begins in the liver's hepatocyte cells. Sometimes HCC begins as a single tumor. Other times, it starts in multiple spots in the liver (multifocal). Multifocal HCC is more common in people with liver inflammation, such as cirrhosis. 
  • Fibrolamellar HCC: This rare HCC subtype doesn't typically have underlying liver inflammation or known risk factors. Fibrolamellar HCC is more common in younger patients. It often has a higher chance for successful treatment than HCC. 
  • Angiosarcomas and hemangiosarcomas: These rare, fast-growing liver cancers begin in blood vessels in the liver. They are usually not diagnosed until advanced stages. 
  • Hepatoblastoma: This is a very rare type of liver cancer most often found in children. The survival rate is more than 90% if caught early. 

Some tumors in the liver are benign, or non-cancerous. These may be difficult to diagnose or grow large and cause problems. They sometimes require surgery. 

Secondary (metastatic) liver cancer 

Tumors that start elsewhere in the body and spread to the liver are called metastatic liver tumors. The liver is a common place where cancer spreads. Its large size and high blood flow make it a target for tumor cells moving through the bloodstream. Any tumor can spread to the liver but it is more common in colorectal, breast and lung cancers. 

Meet Our Liver Cancer Surgeons:

Pancreatic Cancer Surgery

The pancreatic cancer surgeons at University Surgical Associates are highly skilled and compassionate board-certified professionals dedicated to providing surgery treatments personalized with the patient’s best interest in mind. Our surgeons consider your unique cancer journey when developing a treatment plan and offer a variety of treatment types.

We provide the following pancreatic cancer surgeries:

  • Pancreatic cancer treatment with the NanoKnife System
  • Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy)
  • Distal pancreatectomy
  • Total pancreatectomy
  • Palliative surgery
    • Biliary stent placement
    • Biliary bypass surgery

Visit our pancreatic cancer surgery page to view frequently asked questions and learn more about surgery options. You can also schedule a consultation with a pancreatic cancer surgeon by contacting our team with a provider referral.

Meet Our Pancreatic Cancer Surgeons:

Breast Cancer Surgery

University Surgical Associates is here to help wherever you are in your breast cancer journey. We assist patients that have just received news of a mass from their latest mammogram who need a biopsy, as well as patients that already have a diagnosis. We offer the following breast cancer surgeries:

  • Mastectomies
    • Bilateral
    • Radical
    • Modified radical
    • Prophylactic
  • Lumpectomies

Learn more about our breast services and what to expect with your visit, or ask your provider who ordered your scan for a referral to University Surgical Associates when you are ready to make an appointment.

Meet Our Breast Cancer Surgeons:

Skin Cancer Surgery

The skin cancer surgeons at University Surgical Associates are highly experienced in successfully removing various types of skin cancers from patients of all ages. We can remove skin cancer from all parts of the body, and specialize in these types of surgeries:

  • Melanoma surgery, including wide excision melanoma surgery
  • Basal cell carcinoma surgery
  • Squamous cell carcinoma surgery
  • Other cancerous mole removals

To ensure you are seen as soon as possible, ask your provider to send a referral to University Surgical Associates, and then you may call 423-267-0466 or connect with us online to schedule an appointment.

Meet Our Skin Cancer Surgeons:

Colon & Rectal Cancer Surgery

The colorectal surgeons at University Surgical Associates offer screening services, including colonoscopies, as well as a variety of other colorectal surgeries. When treating colon and rectal cancers, our surgeons may manage a patient’s condition with minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques to improve recovery. Our colorectal cancer surgery options include:

  • Open colorectal surgery
  • Laparoscopic colorectal surgery
  • Robotic colorectal surgery

Ask your provider to send a referral to University Surgical Associates, and then contact us to make an appointment.

Meet Our Colorectal Cancer Surgeons:

Request an Appointment with a Surgical Oncologist

If you’re ready to meet with a surgical oncologist, call us today at (423) 267-0466 or request an appointment using the form below.

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Surgical Oncologist FAQs

Surgical oncology is the branch of surgery which focuses on the surgical management of malignant neoplasms, or cancer. While many general surgeons are actively involved in treating patients with malignant neoplasms, the designation of “surgical oncologist” is generally reserved for those surgeons who have completed one of the approved surgical oncology fellowship programs. Most often, surgical oncologist refers to a general surgical oncologist (cf. General Surgery), but thoracic surgical oncologists, gynecologic oncologists and so forth can all be considered surgeons who specialize in treating cancer patients.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

University Surgical Associates is based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and our oncology surgeons can meet with patients in the following nearby USA locations. Learn more about our surgical oncologists near you by contacting us today.

USA physicians providing oncology services have completed surgical oncology fellowships and training in general surgery. Our local surgical oncologists participate in the administration of cancer programs at various hospitals in Chattanooga, and actively participate in multi-disciplinary programs in cancer care within the community.

In addition to performing indicated surgical procedures, our surgical oncologists also review tests with radiologists and pathologists to better coordinate the care of each individual patient.

Our surgical oncologists in Chattanooga, TN specialize in:

16 Specialty Services From Over
30 Skilled Surgeons

Today our network extends to more than 6 cities in the region. Search our network of surgeons and nurse practitioners by specialty or location.