Surgery may play a role at one point or another in the treatment of many pets with cancer. Successful oncologic surgery requires a thorough understanding of anatomy, physiology, resection and reconstruction options for all organs, as well as an appreciation for expected tumor behavior. Surgery in the oncology patient may be used for diagnosis (biopsy), resection to attempt cure, alleviate clinical signs and enhance of other forms of treatment. At SAVSEC, the Surgery and Oncology teams work closely together to ensure the best treatment plan is developed for each cancer patient.

Treatment of tumors and cancer that include surgical intervention require evaluating factors such as tumor type, location, size and overall health of the patient.
The purpose of surgical oncology is to remove all the cancerous tissue while preserving the function and cosmetics of the patient. Treatment of tumors in dogs and cats can often be a challenge for veterinarians. Tumors can grow and be found in any part of the body. They can be microscopic in size to visible masses or tissue/bone involvement. Tumors range from benign to malignant and from slow to aggressive growth. Benign tumors are growths that do not invade tissues or spread to other parts of the body.
Often, benign tumors can be completely cured by surgical intervention. Malignant tumors are locally aggressive and tend to spread to other parts of the body (metastasize) or recur. Many cancers can be very well controlled when the appropriate surgical techniques and treatment is utilized.

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