Question 1

What does a Surgical Oncology oncologist do?

Accepted Answer

A Surgical Oncology oncologist is a Oncology physician with focused training in the surgical management of cancer, including complex tumor resections and reconstructive procedures. After completing Oncology residency, they pursue additional fellowship training so they can manage cases that fall outside what a general oncologist typically handles day to day.

Question 2

What conditions does a Surgical Oncology oncologist treat?

Accepted Answer

A Surgical Oncology oncologist commonly treats breast cancer surgery, soft tissue sarcomas, melanoma, thyroid and endocrine tumors, and complex abdominal tumors. Many also see closely related conditions within Oncology, particularly when a case is complex, atypical, or has not responded to first-line care from a general oncologist.

Question 3

When should I see a Surgical Oncology oncologist?

Accepted Answer

Consider seeing a Surgical Oncology oncologist when surgery is part of your cancer treatment plan, when a primary care clinician or general oncologist suggests a focused evaluation, or when you want a second opinion from a physician whose practice is concentrated on this exact area. Patients often reach a Surgical Oncology oncologist through referral, but you can also seek one directly.

Question 4

How is a Surgical Oncology oncologist different from a general oncologist?

Accepted Answer

Both are board-eligible oncologists, but a Surgical Oncology oncologist has additional fellowship training and a practice that focuses on the surgical management of cancer, including complex tumor resections and reconstructive procedures. General oncologists treat a broad range of Oncology concerns; Surgical Oncology oncologists concentrate on the harder or more specific cases within that range, and tend to see a higher volume of patients with breast cancer surgery, soft tissue sarcomas, melanoma, thyroid and endocrine tumors, and complex abdominal tumors.

Question 5

How does Convene match me with a top Surgical Oncology oncologist?

Accepted Answer

Convene Health evaluates oncologists on peer recognition, clinical leadership, published research, institutional affiliations, and patient feedback. When you complete an intake, our care team reviews your history and matches you with a vetted Surgical Oncology oncologist whose focus aligns with your case. Membership covers priority appointment coordination; the match itself is free.

Best Surgical Oncology specialists in Illinois

Nora Hansen, MD

Amy Heimberger, MD

Jeffrey Wayne, MD

Seema Khan, MD

Claudius Conrad, M.D.

Akhil Chawla, MD

Steven Gitelis, M.D.

Constantine Godellas, M.D.

John Hyngstrom, MD

Ramji Rajendran, MD

Miraj Shah-Khan, M.D.

James Millis, MD

Alan Blank, M.D.

Donald Wood, MD

Ryan Merkow, MD

David Bentrem, MD

Katherine Hansen, DO

Ted James, MD

Rosalinda Alvarado, M.D.

Shishir Maithel, MD

Frequently Asked Questions