The workup of cancer patients is unique and requires several nuanced considerations. The workup initially focuses on further solidifying a cancer diagnosis, followed by defining a patient’s burden of disease to create the appropriate treatment plan. Surgical candidacy is determined not only by tumor characteristics but also by patient factors. History and physical exam are important parts of the workup in all cancer patients and can help guide further testing. Laboratory tests and imaging studies are used to determine whether a tumor is resectable or if metastatic spread has already occurred. Burden of disease, tumor biology, nutritional status, and performance status are all important factors in deciding if a patient is an operative candidate. A multi-disciplinary treatment approach is critical for the care of cancer patients. Collaboration with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologist, and other surgical subspecialists is routine for the majority of cancer patients.