Division of Surgical Oncology

Mission 

To lead the fight against cancer through innovative surgery and compassionate care.

About Us

The Division of Surgical Oncology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine is dedicated to providing comprehensive and cutting-edge surgical care for patients with cancer and other surgical disorders. Our mission is to build distinguished programs that offer the most advanced treatments, while fostering an environment of scholarship rooted in scientific discovery, innovation, and education. Since 1807, our faculty has been committed to research with a patient-centered approach, leading to numerous advances that have significantly improved people's lives.

The clinical mission of the division is to build programs of distinction that provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art clinical care for patients with relevant surgical disorders.

Patient Care

The Division of Surgical Oncology is committed to providing comprehensive, state-of-the-art clinical care for patients. We strive to create programs of distinction, ensuring that our patients receive the best possible treatment and support throughout their journey.

For patient information or appointments, please call 1-800-492-5538 or visit the websites of our patient locations.

Our Research

At the Division of Surgical Oncology, we are committed to advancing the field through groundbreaking research. Our academic mission is centered on creating an environment of scholarship built upon the principles of scientific discovery, innovation, and education. Our faculty's research has always maintained a patient-centered focus, directly impacting and improving the lives of those we serve.

Conditions we treat

1. Melanoma: Leading-Edge Surgical Treatment for Skin Cancer

When facing a melanoma diagnosis, you need a team that combines expertise with compassion. The surgical oncologists at the University of Maryland Division of Surgical Oncology are leaders in the comprehensive management of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. We offer a full spectrum of advanced surgical interventions, from precise wide local excisions for early-stage disease to complex procedures for advanced or metastatic melanoma, including sentinel lymph node biopsy and complete lymphadenectomy. Our collaborative approach ensures that our surgical expertise is integrated with insights from dermatology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology, creating a personalized treatment plan designed for optimal outcomes and your well-being. We are also actively engaged in pioneering research, providing access to innovative clinical trials that push the boundaries of melanoma care.

Meet our faculty expert: Dr. Julia Terhune

2. Thyroid Cancer: Specialized Surgical Care for Endocrine Tumors

For patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer or other complex thyroid conditions, the University of Maryland Division of Surgical Oncology provides highly specialized surgical expertise. Our skilled surgeons perform a range of procedures, including total thyroidectomy, lobectomy, and meticulous lymph node dissections, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques when clinically appropriate. We prioritize the delicate balance of preserving vocal cord function and minimizing visible scarring. Our commitment to excellence extends to a multidisciplinary collaboration with endocrinologists, pathologists, and other specialists, ensuring accurate diagnosis, comprehensive treatment planning, and precise surgical execution. We are dedicated to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care throughout your entire thyroid cancer journey, from diagnosis through recovery and follow-up.

Meet our faculty expert: Dr. Yinin Hu

3. Peritoneal Surface Diseases: Advanced Strategies for Complex Abdominal Cancers

Peritoneal surface diseases, such as peritoneal mesothelioma, appendiceal cancer with peritoneal spread, and advanced colorectal cancer, present unique challenges that demand highly specialized and innovative treatment approaches. The University of Maryland Division of Surgical Oncology is home to a leading program dedicated to the comprehensive management of these complex conditions. Our expertise includes advanced cytoreductive surgery (CRS) to meticulously remove visible tumors, combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) – a powerful, heated chemotherapy delivered directly into the abdominal cavity to target microscopic cancer cells. This integrated, state-of-the-art approach is designed to improve long-term outcomes and enhance the quality of life for patients with these challenging cancers. Our dedicated team of surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, and support staff provides holistic and compassionate care tailored to each patient's needs.

Meet our faculty expert: Dr. Benjamin Powers

4. Hepatobiliary Cancers: Expert Surgical Solutions for Liver, Bile Duct, and Gallbladder Tumors

Patients diagnosed with cancers of the liver, bile ducts, or gallbladder require highly specialized surgical care. The Division of Surgical Oncology at the University of Maryland offers unparalleled expertise in the surgical management of these complex hepatobiliary malignancies. Our experienced surgeons perform intricate resections, including partial hepatectomy, bile duct resections, and cholecystectomy, employing both traditional open and advanced minimally invasive techniques where appropriate. We collaborate seamlessly with hepatologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, and interventional radiologists to craft individualized treatment plans that consider the unique characteristics and stage of your cancer. Our focus is on achieving the best possible oncologic outcomes while meticulously preserving organ function and optimizing recovery. We are also at the forefront of research, continuously seeking to refine and improve treatments for hepatobiliary cancers.

Meet our faculty experts: Dr. Jeremy Davis, Dr. Richelle Williams

5. Gastric Cancer: Comprehensive Surgical Management for Stomach Tumors

A diagnosis of gastric (stomach) cancer can be daunting, but at the University of Maryland Division of Surgical Oncology, you will find a team committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate surgical care. Our expert surgical oncologists are highly proficient in a full range of surgical interventions, including partial and total gastrectomy, alongside meticulous lymph node dissections, all precisely tailored to the specific location and stage of your tumor. We understand the profound impact of gastric cancer on a patient's life and are dedicated to delivering individualized care that addresses not only the disease but also your overall well-being. Our multidisciplinary team, which includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and nutritional support specialists, collaborates to create a holistic treatment plan from diagnosis through recovery, striving for the best possible outcomes and an improved quality of life.

Meet our faculty expert: Dr. Jeremy Davis

6. Breast Cancer: Advanced Surgical Options and Personalized Care

At the University of Maryland Division of Surgical Oncology, we recognize that a breast cancer diagnosis is a deeply personal experience. Our dedicated team of surgical oncologists offers a comprehensive array of advanced surgical options for breast cancer, always with a patient-centered philosophy. We provide both breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) and various mastectomy techniques, including nipple-sparing and skin-sparing options when appropriate, alongside sentinel lymph node biopsy and axillary lymph node dissection for accurate staging. Our approach emphasizes achieving optimal oncologic clearance while prioritizing cosmetic outcomes and your overall quality of life. We work seamlessly with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, plastic surgeons, and other specialists to ensure a truly integrated and personalized treatment plan throughout every phase of your breast cancer journey.

Meet our faculty experts: Dr. Suliat Nurudeen, Dr. Meghan Garstka, Dr. Christina Paluskievicz

Faculty

Contact Us

For Patients

For patients seeking information about our programs and services or wishing to make an appointment,
please call 1-800-492-5538 or visit the website of any of our patient locations below.

University of Maryland School of Medicine

Division of Surgical Oncology
Department of Surgery
22 S. Greene Street
Baltimore, MD 21201