James C Watson, MD, FACS

I joined the department of surgical oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center in 1997 as a specialist in gastrointestinal cancers and sarcomas. Since that time, I pride myself on providing comprehensive patient education. I believe that it is vital for my patients and me to come to an understanding about treatment options.

I am an advocate for patients and their families to make informed decisions regarding treatment. This typically reduces their anxiety and helps their comfort level. It is gratifying to hear from my patients that I communicate in a manner that puts them at ease and builds confidence in their decisions.

Due to the complexity of GI cancers and sarcomas, my patients have many, many questions and I feel it is important that I make plenty of time to answer their questions and address their concerns.

The patients I typically treat have complicated issues surrounding their disease, treatment and quality of life. I believe each case needs thoughtful care and that it is important to turn these complex problems into a logical format and strategy. Because each patient presents with a different set of circumstances, I like to provide the entire treatment plan up front, rather than taking it "a step at a time." My honest approach allows patients to feel more comfortable with their course of treatment. I think patients are more satisfied when they know what to expect.

My experience with complex cases has resulted in many referrals from tertiary hospital physicians. These cases require a special expertise and not typically performed in community hospitals. In regular conversations with the referring surgeons, I explain my approach so that we share the same goal for the best outcome.

A diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancer or sarcoma requires the surgeon to coordinate multidisciplinary care. As the point person, I evaluate whether the patient is ready for surgery at the time of diagnosis. Often, we suggest further treatment from radiation or medical oncology that might benefit our patient prior to surgery.

At Fox Chase, we have one of the busiest oncology operating rooms in the country - performing more GI surgeries than most hospitals in the region. With experience, come better outcomes. Our patients, in turn, feel more confident going into surgery.

We have had the opportunity to integrate modern, minimally-invasive surgical techniques where appropriate. By performing laparoscopic cancer surgery (a minimally-invasive procedure) whenever possible, we maximize recovery time, maximize outcomes and help patients return to normal activity more quickly. In my area of special expertise, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), our team will integrate therapy to treat patients nonsurgically if possible.

Video

Introductory Video of Dr. Watson

Surgical Oncology
Attending Surgeon

Meet other members of the gastrointestinal cancer treatment team.

Meet other members of the sarcoma treatment team.

Fox Chase Cancer Center
333 Cottman Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19111-2497

To make an appointment, call:
215-728-2570.

For general information, call:
1-888-FOX CHASE.
An oncology certified nurse will assist you.

Clinical Expertise:

Stomach Cancer; Pancreatic Cancer; Liver Cancer; Laparoscopic Cancer Surgery (Colectomy); Gallbladder, Bile Duct, Small Bowel Cancers; Soft-Tissue Sarcomas (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors, Retroperitoneal Sarcomas, Desmoid Tumors, Extremity Sarcomas)

Medical Education:

University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas, 1991

Residency:

General Surgery, Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans, La.

Fellowship:

Surgical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Phila., Pa.

Certifications:

American Board of Surgery;
Fellow of the American College of Surgeons

Professional Societies:

American College of Surgeons;
The Society of Surgical Oncology;
American Society of Clinical Oncology

Scientific Report:

Surgical Oncology;
Sarcoma Program;
Gastrointestinal Cancer Program
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Research Interests:

Angiogenesis inhibitors in the treatment of cancer; neoadjuvant (preoperative) treatment of locally or regionally-advanced upper gastrointestinal malignancies; gastrointestinal stromal tumor and resistance to imatinib (gleevec); and application of minimally invasive surgical techniques to upper gastrointestinal cancer operations.