Cancer Treatments
Navigating a Cancer Diagnosis
When it comes to cancer, an early diagnosis is often the most important aspect of long-term survivability. Diagnosing and staging cancer involves a multidisciplinary team of professionals that includes primary care physicians, surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and others.
These professionals rely on advanced diagnostic procedures—ranging from blood work and biopsies to detailed MRI and CT scans—to help identify the type and stage of cancer.
Diagnostic services include:
- 1.5 TESLA Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- 3D Digital mammography
- ABI-vascular testing
- Bone densitometry (DEXA)
- Breast MRI
- Computed Tomography (CT) scan
- Diagnostic and interventional radiology
- Fluoroscopy
- LDCT - Lung Screening
- Nuclear medicine
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan
- Radiology/Digital X-ray
- Ultrasound
Effective cancer treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach. At Wilson Medical Center, we combine the expertise of specialists, surgeons, pathologists, radiologists and additional support services to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient. Treatment options may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery or a combination of these. Your involvement in the decision-making process is essential, and we prioritize open communication throughout your care.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses large doses of radiation to eliminate cancer cells and shrink tumors. The radiation is directed to the affected area, minimizing damage to the surrounding skin and tissue.
Electrons are used to treat skin cancers and other superficial lesions, as they are absorbed by the first few centimeters of skin, leaving very little dose to pass into the body. Radiation therapy is used to both destroy cancer cells and alleviate the symptoms of cancer. There are several non-malignant conditions treated using radiation therapy.
Advantages of Radiation Therapy
Thanks to advances in radiation therapy technology, treatment is more precise than ever. Advantages of our radiation technology include:
- Quicker and more precise treatments allow us to target the tumor with a high level of accuracy while leaving healthy tissue unharmed.
- Imaging techniques allow the radiation oncologist to closely track tumors before and during radiation, allowing for personalized treatment plan adjustments as needed.
Radiation therapy may be given alone or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or immunotherapy. Because each cancer type requires a different approach, each patient’s treatment plan is customized to their unique needs and treatment goals.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses powerful medications to destroy cancer cells. The treatment may be used alone or combined with surgery, radiation therapy or hormonal therapy. While chemotherapy can cure some cancers, it also effectively manages the disease in others.
The duration and type of chemotherapy depends on the type of cancer and the patient's response to therapy. Regular evaluations, including blood work and possible CT or PET/CT scan, will help determine the effectiveness of the treatment and if it needs to be adjusted for improved outcomes. Chemotherapy is provided on an inpatient and outpatient basis.
Cancer Conference
At Lake Cumberland, our weekly Cancer Conference operates solely for this purpose — to allow practitioners to meet as a team to discuss difficult cancer cases and work out the best way to treat each patient. If a case demands discussion and input — such as an advanced tumor, an unusual pathology finding or something concerning after surgery — it is best done at the tumor board.
The Lake Cumberland Cancer Conference is made up of surgeons, oncologists, radiation specialists, medical oncologists, pathologists, and hematologists who may seek input from other disciplines, such as pain management. The conference function in several formats, including:
- As part of a regularly held, multidisciplinary clinic where specialists personally evaluate patients, then meet as a board to discuss each case (they also may review cases requested by community-based clinicians);
- As stand-alone meetings to review cases complete with diagnostic imaging, biopsy findings and the patients’ medical histories; and
- As virtual meetings with visual and audio communication between multiple locations.
Services to patients may include genetic counseling, nutrition education, or guidance about social services and financial assistance. The conference sometimes gives their treatment recommendations directly to the patient; but in most cases, findings are relayed to the requesting physician.
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