Surgical Oncologist Near You in Chattanooga
When you or a loved one is facing a cancer diagnosis, finding a highly specialized surgical oncologist near you is the critical first step toward recovery. At University Surgical Associates (USA), our fellowship-trained oncological surgeons specialize in complex tumor removals and advanced, minimally invasive surgical techniques. We bring world-class, multidisciplinary cancer care directly to our local communities, ensuring you don’t have to travel far from home to receive the highest standard of surgical treatment.
Looking for a Surgical Oncologist Near You?
If you’re searching for a surgical oncologist near you, University Surgical Associates provides specialized cancer surgery for patients throughout Chattanooga, and surrounding communities. Our fellowship-trained surgical oncologists work closely with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists to develop personalized treatment plans for every patient.
We provide surgical care for many types of cancer, including liver, pancreatic, breast, colon and rectal, melanoma, stomach, esophageal, and kidney cancers. With convenient locations throughout the Chattanooga region, our team is committed to helping patients receive timely, compassionate care close to home.
What Is a Surgical Oncologist?
A surgical oncologist is a surgeon who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer through surgery. In addition to removing cancerous tumors, surgical oncologists perform biopsies, help determine the stage of cancer, and work as part of a multidisciplinary team to coordinate treatment before, during, and after surgery. At University Surgical Associates, our surgical oncologists combine advanced surgical techniques with individualized care to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes.
Why Choose University Surgical Associates for Surgical Oncology?
Patients throughout the Chattanooga area choose University Surgical Associates because we offer:
- Fellowship-trained surgical oncologists with advanced cancer surgery expertise
- Treatment for a wide range of complex cancers
- Collaboration with local cancer specialists and multidisciplinary care teams
- Multiple convenient office locations across the Chattanooga region
- Personalized treatment plans focused on each patient’s diagnosis and goals
- Compassionate care from one of the region’s most established surgical practices since 1976
Surgical Oncologist Near You in Chattanooga
University Surgical Associates, located in Chattanooga, TN specializes in the surgical treatment of:
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colon and rectal cancer
- Melanoma and other skin cancers
- Gastroesophageal (GE) junction and stomach cancer
- Kidney cancer
Our cancer surgeons are highly experienced, compassionate, and dedicated to helping you receive prompt treatment. If you are looking for a trusted surgical oncologist near you, we offer a variety of advanced oncologic surgery options to fit your needs. Call or contact us online to learn more.
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.
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:
Why Choose a Surgical Oncologist in Chattanooga at USA?
Choosing a surgical oncologist in Chattanooga at University Surgical Associates means putting your trust in a highly collaborative, local team. Our surgeons work directly with your primary oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists to build a highly customized treatment plan tailored to your exact diagnosis.
