The UCSF-John Muir Health Jean and Ken Hofmann Cancer Center at the Behring Pavilion is now open.  LEARN MORE >

Cancer Surgery

John Muir Health physicians often use surgery as a treatment option if we believe it will have some benefit in treating your cancer.

John Muir Health is one of the leading private medical institutes using minimally invasive surgical techniques to treat cancer.

The type of surgery you undergo will depend on the goals of the procedure, which could include:

Prevention – Removing body tissue if it is highly suspected of turning cancerous.

Diagnosis and Staging – Removing body tissue to determine if a cancer is present, what type it is, and what stage it is in, which will help inform the treatment options.

Removal – The extraction of a tumor that is local to one area.

Palliative – Treating advanced cancer to relieve discomfort or prevent disability.

Restorative – Improving appearance or restoring function after major cancer surgery.

Giving You Options

Surgery, no matter how minor, is obviously a major decision. As with all the treatment options we present to you, we will discuss with you what kind of surgery we are considering, its potential benefits and risks, and how it fits into your overall treatment plan. Our goal is to make you feel comfortable with taking this step.

Whenever possible, John Muir Health uses a minimally invasive surgical technique to treat you as it generally leads to faster recovery times with less pain and discomfort for you.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

John Muir Health has several experienced surgeons who are experts at minimally invasive surgical techniques.
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Robotic Surgery

John Muir Health is one of a few Bay Area medical institutes using this highly precise form of surgery to treat cancers. Our growth curve for the uses of this technology continues to advance a revolution in patient care. We offer state-of-the- art robotically-assisted surgery to a very wide range of patients, in multiple specialties and general surgery offering a comprehensive clinical program. John Muir Health was first in the East Bay to launch a robotic surgery program in 2002 and are proud that we have continued to stay at the very forefront of care since then. These incredible advancements are a reflection of the dedicated, talented surgeons and phenomenal OR teams that are directly responsible for the success of this program.
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