Cancer Surgery
Surgeons play a key role in diagnosing and treating cancer. Our surgeons use advanced techniques to achieve better results for our patients.
Expertise Advanced & Techniques
Our surgeons leverage technology to remove tumors and enhance recovery and collaborate with the NMMC Cancer Care team to provide the best care for you.
Innovations in Cancer Surgery
Cancer Care patients benefit from collaboration, technology and evidence-based procedures from our surgeons and specialists.
Breast, general and plastic surgeons collaborate for breast conservation and reconstructive surgeries.
General surgeons use the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol for colon surgery. Patients have shorter hospital stays, less pain, less blood loss and quicker recovery than with traditional surgical protocols.
Neurosurgeons use stealth navigation technology to maximize tumor removal and minimize injury to nearby neurological structures. The technology creates 3D models for precise surgical planning.
Cardiothoracic surgeons and pulmonologists are using robotic-assisted tools to expand how they diagnose and treat lung cancer. The minimally invasive techniques reduce the risks for patients and allow for faster recovery time.
At NMHS, surgeons have access to the da Vinci® Surgical System as an alternative to traditional open surgery and conventional laparoscopy. The robotic assisted surgery system uses minimally invasive tools, allowing greater precision and improved access to hard-to-reach sites. Patients recover faster compared to traditional surgical techniques. Robotic surgery is available at:
NMMC-Tupelo
NMMC Women’s Hospital in Tupelo
NMMC Gilmore-Amory
NMMC-West Point
Surgeons play an important role in identifying cancer and investigating where it is located in the body. Types of diagnostic procedures include:
Biopsy: a piece of tissue is removed to test for cancer.
Staging surgery: Performed to find out how much cancer there is and how far it has spread.
Whenever possible, surgeons and specialists aim to completely remove tumors. Curative surgery is used when:
The cancer is limited to one part of the body.
Your care team believes it’s likely all of the cancer can be removed.
Curative surgery may be used alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
In cases where someone is at high risk of developing cancer, surgeons and patients may want to consider preventive surgery, which occurs before there is any sign of cancer.
Used to remove tissue that is likely to become cancer.
Preventive procedures require careful consideration between surgeon and patient.
Examples include procedures to reduce the risk of breast, ovarian and colorectal cancers.
Debulking surgery removes part of a tumor to avoid damaging nearby organs or tissue.
Palliative surgery aims to relieve symptoms caused by tumors; used with advanced cancer.
Restorative surgery is used to improve appearance or function after cancer surgery.
Related Locations
Comprehensive care, nationally recognized
ACS accredits NMMC’s breast care program
Meets national standards for comprehensive, patient-centered, multidisciplinary care.
Commission On Cancer Accredited Program
Commission on Cancer conducts evaluation every three years; NMMC accredited since 1981.
Patient Stories
‘Never Be Too Afraid to Check it Out’
Kristie Davis was only 33 years old when she found a lump in her breast
Survivor Advocates for Colon Cancer Screening
Shannon farmer celebrates 10 years as a cancer survivor
Breathing New Life into Lung Cancer Surgery
Robotic lung surgery offers patients less pain, excellent outcomes
‘Never Be Too Afraid to Check it Out’
Kristie Davis was only 33 years old when she found a lump in her breast
Survivor Advocates for Colon Cancer Screening
Shannon farmer celebrates 10 years as a cancer survivor
Breathing New Life into Lung Cancer Surgery
Robotic lung surgery offers patients less pain, excellent outcomes
Related Resources
View AllLearn about fields connected to Cancer Care
Clinical Research
Cancer Care physicians actively contribute to research to improve care for current and future patients. Trials are available for all stages of cancer and include treatments, testing for biomarkers and lab devices.
Clinical Research
Cancer Care physicians actively contribute to research to improve care for current and future patients. Trials are available for all stages of cancer and include treatments, testing for biomarkers and lab devices.