Oncology

Our clinic offers screening, diagnosis and treatment services for lung cancer. Although lung cancer doesn’t usually cause symptoms in the early stages, receiving an early diagnosis can make it easier to treat. We provide low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screenings to high-risk smokers. LDCT scans have shown to be more effective than typical chest X-ray screenings, increasing your chances of early detection.

In order to qualify as high-risk, you must:

• Be between 50 and 80 years old
• Currently be a smoker or have quit within the last 15 years
• Have smoked 20 or more packs per year

• Mammogram — An X-ray of the breast that detects tumors that are too small to be felt during a manual exam
• Ultrasound — An imaging test that uses sound waves to look at the inside of your breasts to find tumors that a mammogram may not have detected
  • Automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) — An ultrasound method we use which can find up to 30 percent more cancers in women who have dense breast tissue

We offer specialized treatment for gynecologic cancers and pre-cancers, including vulvar dysplasia, vaginal dysplasia, cervical dysplasia and uterine hyperplasia.

Unlike other cancer, many gynecologic cancers do not show symptoms. However, if you experience pain during intercourse, abnormal bleeding or unusual vaginal discharge, you should schedule an appointment. We will then run some diagnostic tests, such as a Pap smear, blood work or a biopsy.

Our medical oncologists diagnose and treat cancer through the use of medication, such as chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy and targeted therapy.

Radiation oncology is also known as radiation therapy. Our cancer center uses the most advanced technology to combat cancer cells, including the following tools:

• Linear accelerator — A machine that delivers radiation in a very precise location at high speed, providing intense treatment in a short amount of time; it uses various types of external beam radiation therapy, including image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)
• Radiation implants (brachytherapy) — Implants that are filled with high levels of radiation are placed on or near a tumor. These implants provide maximum treatment without spreading the radiation to nearby healthy tissues

ur oncology specialists often use surgery to diagnose or remove cancer. In fact, surgical procedures are often included in treatment plans for gynecologic, breast, head and neck cancers, among others.

Although traditional surgeries are still used from time to time, our surgeons prefer to use minimally invasive, robot-assisted surgeries when possible. Minimally invasive procedures allow us to be more precise and typically result in less scaring and a shorter recovery time.

We offer care for cancer and blood diseases in our 21-bed inpatient unit. When admitted, our medical team will assess you, determining your physical, emotional and spiritual needs. We will then create a personalized care plan based on your results.

If you’ve been released from the hospital but still need radiation therapy or infusion treatment, our outpatient center can help. By offering both services in one location, we make it easier for you and your loved ones with cancer to find the proper treatment without making a trip to a large hospital.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. To help you navigate this new journey, we offer the following educational and supportive resource:

• Nurse navigators can provide emotional support to you and your family. Our nurses are available to answer questions, assess needs and provide guidance, helping you gain a better understanding of your condition. They can also act as liaisons between you and your doctors.
• Breast cancer support group meets the first Tuesday of every month from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. There is no charge for registering, and you are allowed to bring one guest every month. During the meeting, you, other breast cancer patients and survivors are encouraged to tell your stories and build fellowship with one another.