Saint John's surgical oncologists are some of the best in their field.  With expertise in treating melanoma, breast, brain, prostate, gastrointestinal and gynecologic cancers, among others, Saint John's surgeons are uniquely equipped to perform the most difficult and delicate surgical procedures.  In fact, many of the surgeons at Saint John's have pioneered surgical procedures and contributed to breakthroughs in the field of surgical oncology.

•  Donald L. Morton, MD, Chief of the Melanoma Program at John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John's Health Center, originated the sentinel lymph node technique for staging melanoma

•  Armando E. Giuliano, Chief of Science and Medicine, adapted the sentinel node technique for use with breast cancer patients

•  Neurosurgeons at Saint John's Health Center are internationally recognized as pioneers in minimally invasive brain surgery. By developing and improving "kinder, gentler" brain surgery procedures and brain mapping techniques, the need for complex, risky craniotomies is elimated and patients' sensitive brain tissue is spared

•  A landmark study led by William Parker, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Saint John's Health Center and adjunct faculty member at John Wayne Cancer Institute, has raised serious questions about the long-term survival benefits of removing a woman's ovaries during routine hysterectomy