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:

• 3D Digital mammography
• Blood transfusions
• Breast MRI
• Cancer and hematology assessments
• Chemotherapy
• Clinical trial access
• Diagnostic and interventional radiology
• LDCT - Lung Screening
• Nuclear medicine
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan
• Radiology/Digital X-ray
• Ultrasound

Effective cancer treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach. At Clinch Valley Health, 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

Clinch Valley Health is proud to offer a state-of-the-art Elekta Versa HD linear accelerator which allows for External Beam Radiation Therapy as well as Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT). Stereotactic radiosurgery delivers a highly focused single treatment or a shortened course of radiation treatments to a tumor while avoiding surrounding normal structures. The treatment system also includes a Hexapod table for patient alignment with iGuide software allowing the table to be tilted in six directions for maximum alignment.

Our Radiation Department also consists of a GE Discovery RT simulator, which is a computerized tomography unit (CT) dedicated to the radiation therapy department. The unit allows for optimum positioning of the patient and offers a feature to reduce metal artifacts in cases such as hip replacements or dental work.

A Monaco treatment planning system features the latest technology in treatment planning options and allows for the optimal treatment technique to be configured. The Monaco system allows the medical dosimetrist to plan with the greatest precision dose coverage to the tumor while sparing the normal structures near the treatment site.

Surface-guided technology is available using the CRAD camera detection system. Surface-guided imaging allows for real time monitoring of the patient during treatment. If a patient moves during the treatment, the system deactivates the treatment until the alignment is within range.

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.

Surgery

Using a unique team-based approach, the medical oncology team collaborates with Clinch Valley Health's radiologists, pathologists, surgeons and radiation oncologists to design a specific treatment plan for each patient. Under the medical oncologist's supervision, our oncology certified nurses administer chemotherapy and other supportive infusion services. Each patient is closely monitored to assess progress and treatment effectiveness.

Length of recovery depends on the type of procedure. If necessary, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery.