For some types of cancer, and in certain instances when malignant cells have spread to other parts of the body, surgery is the best treatment. Often, a treatment plan combines surgery with non-invasive drug or radiation therapies. Experienced specialists use the most proven traditional surgical methods and promising emerging techniques — including robot-assisted surgery — to treat a wide array of cases.

Sub-specialists are doctors with additional training in a particular area. At Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield, a host of oncology sub-specialists works together with the primary care doctor and medical oncologist to treat the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patient and family. Some of the cancer subspecialty expertise available in Marshfield includes:

• Neuro-oncologist, treating cancers associated with the brain
• Head and neck (ENT) oncology
• Orthopedic oncology
• Gynecologic oncologist, specializing in cancers unique to women
• Pediatric oncologists who diagnosis and treat cancers in children from infant to age 18
• Surgical oncologists
• Palliative care specialists

Patients referred to Marshfield also have access to more than 100 cancer clinical research trials through the Marshfield Medical Research Foundation. Other specialty offerings include:

• Leksell Gamma Knife radiosurgery — painless, non-invasive treatment of tumors and abnormal blood vessels of the brain.
• Robot-assisted technology, used increasingly by urology and gynecologic surgeons who experience greater precision and control when performing prostate and uterine surgeries. Marshfield Clinic surgeons on staff at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield were pioneers in bringing this advanced technology to Wisconsin, and have performed with impressive results the most cases of any regional practice.