Kenneth K Tanabe, MD
Not currently accepting new patients
4.876471 average rating from 136 patient reviews
Specialties
Affiliation
Mass General Brigham
Provider Locations
- Boston, MA
Dr. Kenneth Tanabe is a Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School, Chief of the Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery and ESSCO – Slater Family Chair of Surgical Oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital. He serves as the Deputy Clinical Director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Director of the Mass General Liver Surgery Program, and is a previous Director of the Liver Surgery Program for the Department of Surgery.
Dr. Tanabe is a board member of the American Board of Surgery Complex General Surgical Oncology Board. He has served on the Executive Council of the Society of Surgical Oncology, and serves on the editorial board for several journals, including service as Deputy Editor for Annals of Surgical Oncology. Dr. Tanabe has an active clinical practice that focuses on complex liver surgery including laparoscopic resections and multidisciplinary cancer patient evaluations. Dr. Tanabe is also an active member of the Melanoma Surgery Program, and formerly served as its director. He provides care for melanoma patients, and he served on the melanoma patient care guidelines committee for the National Comprehensive Cancer Network for 15 years. Dr. Tanabe directs a research translational laboratory involved in studies of novel experimental cancer therapies and cancer prevention strategies.
Education & Training
- Fellowship: The University of Texas - M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Surgical Oncology, 1993
- Residency: New York Presbyterian - Weill Cornell Medical Center, General Surgery, 1990
- Medical Education: University of California San Diego, 1985
Board Certifications
- Surgery (General Surgery), American Board of Surgery
Languages Spoken
- English
Age Group Treated
- Adults
Patient Feedback
4.876471 average rating from 136 reviews
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This was an exceptionally good experience for me. I have nothing but the highest regard for the doctor, his knowledge of my situation and his efforts to make everything as clear as he possibly could.
2026-06-30
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I was at MGH for several things recently. I have always had almost perfect medical service there, only "almost" because I am complicated and sometimes it is hard for providers to understand my complications. But I know I am in the best hands at MGH, so I know in the end I will be getting the best medical care there is spite of any minor inconveniences.
2026-06-30
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It was all pretty seemless
2026-06-28
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Excellent team of professionals. The demeanor and friendliness of everyone are very reassuring. With Dr. Tanabe you can tell you're getting the best treatment possible.
2026-06-15
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Dr. Tanabe is an extraordinary physician. Great skills and knowledge and an excellent "bedside manner." MGB (and I) are lucky to have him.
2026-06-07
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With this health provider, I felt very comfortable. He was to the point understandable, explained things extremely well. Couldn't have more confidence in the gentleman that's going to be taking care of me.
2026-06-03
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Was very caring
2026-05-30
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I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Tanabe. He did a great job, explaining everything to me and he made me feel very comfortable with my procedure that he performed. I found Dr. Tanabe to be very considerate and very thorough. I would definitely recommend this Doctor to anyone that needs a great Surgeon.
2026-05-17
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Very good experience with this doctor who was knowledgeable,professional and pleasant. I would highly recommend him to others.
2026-05-12
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He was very good at explaining things to me and my daughter. He answered every question I had.
2026-05-09
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I have the greatest confidence in Dr. Tanabe and appreciate his friendly, courteous manner.
2026-05-02
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Dr. Kenneth Tanabe is very kind, clear, patient and very caring. I feel very safe and blessed to have found him.
2026-04-22
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Dc. Tanabe is a great surgeon and a great person. He did my surgery in [redacted] when I saw Him this time he remembered me ,he knew my case , he was very caring and he explained everything in detail. I have great confidence in him and I would recommend Him 100+. Thank you [redacted]
2026-04-22
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Dr. Tanabe is a superb physician and I am thankful for his care!
2026-04-02
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It was informative, positive, and friendly
2026-03-31
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They were prompt & on time.
2026-03-25
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Dr Tanabe is an exceptional physician.
2026-03-22
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Dr. Tanabe is excellent! I'm glad he's my Doctor.
2026-03-18
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Dr Tanabe is a wonderful person and a great surgeon. He went above and beyond and spent several minutes with me explaining the whole process. I felt very comfortable with him and would recommend him to anyone.
2026-03-17
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Nurse was unaware that patient had to put on a gown or sit on the exam table - this delayed the appt with Doctor .
2026-02-24
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Dr Tanabe, explains everything well, asks if I have any questions or concerns, and listens
2026-03-02
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Dr. Tanabe and his staff are absolutely fantastic. [redacted]
2026-02-26
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I can't really say anything about him. I mean, it was the first time I saw him and stuff like that. And I've never been to your hospital before. And I got his name through my skin doctor. And so, to be honest with you, I don't have any feeling either way. That's all I can say.
2026-02-25
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The provider was excellent, spent as much time as I thought necessary, answered all my questions, was relaxed, talked about the different complications, could not have been nicer or better.
2026-02-25
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Extremely professional , courteous and understanding .
2026-02-24
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Good rapport, upfront with common background from Stanford. Successful first round surgery, and successful follow ups for the successive years. Followup visits are complete, all successful, so thankful to Dr. Tanabe.
2026-02-09
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Dr. Tanabe was caring, kind and informative
2026-02-01
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Dr Tanabe was kind, knowledgeable and very sharing if information in a very understandable way. That was very appreciated. He pointed out some very important aspects of my situation which I did not think of, nicely presented and appreciated.
2026-02-01
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I felt the experience was spectacular The information given was extremely clear and answered any question I would ask. It was delivered at a level that matched my capabilities to understand
2026-01-21
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Dr. Kenneth Tanabe, who was the lead surgeon in my surgery two years ago, is just a true professional, amazing, courteous, kind. You know, I could not have asked for a better provider to see me, you know, going through what I've been through and the detail steps and patience. I know for sure I hold my health and my life to him because, you know, it was just the miracle and the grace of God that's why I'm here today. So I am greatly grateful for him and he's truly amazing.
2026-01-19
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Dr. Tanabe is an outstanding provider. He knows me very well. I always leave our appointments feeling that my concerns have been heard.
2026-01-18
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Everything was handled excellently.
2026-01-18
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Dr. Tanabe was friendly, courteous, and he inspired confidence about his knowledge of and ability to take care of my situation. I feel very fortunate about having him as my provider.
2025-12-31
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Most agree a doctor visit to address a cancer issue and required surgery isn't a favorite thing to do. That said Dr Tanabe, his associates and schedulers have made my experience as pleasant as I could possibly have hoped for. A+
2025-12-29
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Everyone concerned showed courtesy and respect. All the doctors and nurses worked together to get their job done and respected my needs and answers to all my questions.
2025-12-26
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Excellent care
2025-12-25
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Yes, I was extremely pleased with the care he provided. He was very kind, courteous, he listened well, he seemed extremely knowledgeable and caring and he provided me with excellent information so I know what was going to happen as far as the surgery and as far as a follow-up and so on. So overall, I rate him 10 out of 10. Thank you.
2025-12-24
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Dr Tanabe is experienced, precise and has amazing bedside manner. He is a true asset to MGH and the medical community!
2025-12-22
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Much respect for the team approach at the MGH
2025-12-11
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I was extremely satisfied and happy with the results for my contact with Dr. Tanabe.
2025-12-11
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The entire team was incredible!! Every nurse, anaesthesiologist, and surgeon, check out, I always feel the best care and safe
2025-12-08
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I have great respect and confidence in Dr. Tanabe. He always takes time to explain so that I understand my condition.
2025-12-07
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Dr Tanabe is great.
2025-12-07
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Dr. Tanabe has been very concerned with my health and he has taken very good care of me.
2025-12-03
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Everyone was helpful and directly explained to me how things were gonna go step by step
2025-11-30
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I met Dr. Tanabe following my diagnosis of a malignant melanoma on my leg 5 years ago. Fortunately for me, the surgical procedure was successful and I needed no further treatment. He followed my recovery for 5 years and I no longer need any more follow up visits [redacted]. Dr. Tanabe and his staff were kind and compassionate during what could have been a terrifying time in my life. Their positive reassurance before the surgery reduced my fears and I knew I was in very competent hands. He always made the follow up visits a positive experience. I feel most fortunate for his care and concern over the last 5 years.
2025-11-30
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Very professional and very easy to talk with
2025-11-30
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Taken for procedure on time, explained everything he was going to do right down to the end, and what to expect. One of the best Dr's
2025-11-27
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Very pleased.
2025-11-27
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Excellent
2025-11-02
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Dr Tenabe was extremely professional, and was very thorough. He explained everything in a way that was very understandable, and provided answers to all of my questions.
2025-11-01
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Dr Tanabe is the best Dr I have ever had.
2025-11-10
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Professional, knowledgeable, complete, concise.
2025-10-28
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Excellent treatment.
2025-10-27
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My visit with Dr Tanabe was excellent. I'm veery pleased to have him
2025-10-15
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I felt that Dr. Tanabe was very thorough.
2025-10-08
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He is excellent! I have been going to various dermatology/ medical staff for over 60 years and Dr. Tanabe was definitely in the top two!
2025-10-06
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He was amazing
2025-10-05
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Treats me with respect and explained and evaluated my condition honestly and thoroughly
2025-09-29
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Dr Tanabe was professional courteous and understanding. He was thorough and explain the whole procedure. I was very impressed with his bed side manner so to speak. He put my comforters level at ease. Ver thorough.
2025-09-29
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I rely on his judgment and recommendations.
2025-09-28
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Dr Tanabe was an excellent surgeon- professional, courteous and easy to talk to. I would highly recommend him to my friends and family
2025-09-28
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Dr Tanabe was extremely thorough and explained the procedure and cautions that will be performed. I have complete confidence in Dr Tanabe that I will have the best outcome of my surgery.
2025-09-22
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Excelllent follow-up visit. My status reviewed and explained. Helpful and kind Dr.
2025-09-21
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Good communication and knowledge of my situation
2025-09-10
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I'm very lucky to have a great doctor and care
2025-09-04
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Very helpful and gave answers to questions.
2025-08-25
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Knowledgeable and courteous.
2025-08-17
Accepted Insurance
- Tufts Medicare Preferred
- Medicaid VT
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