Neal S Topham, MD, FACS

During treatment for certain types of cancer, patients may end up with an altered appearance. It may be on their face, ear, breast or an extremity. As a surgeon who specializes in reconstructive microsurgery, I believe in offering comprehensive care for patients, covering the breadth of the imperfections that result from treating breast and head and neck cancers, as well as sarcomas.

I provide all reconstructive options for my patients, rather than a select few. This is especially true for breast cancer, where women are very specific about the results they want. This approach allows each procedure to be tailored to the needs of the patient.

Informing my patients about what they can expect pre- and post-operatively is very important to me. My patients should feel comfortable to ask as many questions as necessary. I believe an informed patient understands the procedure better and can accept his or her limitations easier.

The goals of reconstructive surgery are to provide form and function, especially in patients with sarcoma (who require the use of their extremities) and head and neck cancer. Cosmetic principles are used in aesthetically sensitive areas, such as the face, to minimize scarring, while effectively treating the cancer.

While I cannot fully understand what it is like to have cancer, I know that it is extremely challenging for many patients. Our goal is to provide a supportive atmosphere while caring for patients through this difficult time in their lives.

Video

Introductory Video of Dr. Topham

Surgical Oncology
Chief, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Meet other members of the
head and neck cancer team
Meet other members of the
melanoma treatment team
Meet other members of the
non-melanoma treatment team
Meet other members of the
sarcoma treatment team
Meet other members of the
breast cancer treatment team

New patients can request an appointment online or call 215-728-2570.

Appointments for Returning Patients

For general information, call:
1-888-FOX CHASE (1-888-369-2427).
An oncology certified nurse will assist you.

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

Clinical Expertise:

Reconstructive Microsurgery; Breast Reconstruction, including Free Tissue Transfer (TRAM, Muscle-Sparing TRAM, DIEP, Latissimus Dorsi) Flaps; Head and Neck Reconstruction; Extremity Reconstruction; Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction; Complex Chest Wall Reconstruction; Melanoma and Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Reconstruction; Perineal Reconstruction; Soft tissue sarcoma reconstruction

Medical Education:

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 1994

Residencies:

General Surgery, Akron Medical Center, Akron, OH;
Plastic Surgery, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH

Fellowships:

Plastic Surgery Tissue Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH;
Microvascular and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.

Certifications:

American Board of Plastic Surgery

Professional Societies:

American Society of Plastic Surgeons;
American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgeons;
American Head and Neck Society;
World Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery;

Scientific Reports:

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Program
Surgical Oncology
Sarcoma Program
Head and Neck Cancer Program
Breast Cancer Care and Research Group
Dermatology-Cutaneous Oncology
(These links require Adobe® Acrobat Reader to view.)

Research Interests:

Breast reconstruction; Head and neck