Oncology
Oncology refers to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Oncology treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation, medication or surgery. Oncologists can specialize in one of four fields of oncology: gynecological, medical, radiation or surgery.
Advanced cancer treatment in western North Carolina
At Mission Health, we are dedicated to providing patients with comprehensive, compassionate cancer care. We offer multiple locations throughout the western North Carolina area, which allows our oncologists and radiologists to provide our communities with quality cancer care, no matter where you live.
By choosing one of our clinics, you gain access to a specialized team of cancer doctors who perform advanced operations to help treat and cure cancer. Our teams work together to provide you with an individualized care plan to ensure you receive the treatment that is right for you.
For more information about cancer diagnosis, treatment and other services, call askSARAH at 844-482-4812.
Comprehensive cancer care
Mission Health’s oncologists provide patients access to the region’s largest network of comprehensive cancer services, assuring that their journey will take the best possible path from diagnosis to treatment and recovery. Our network includes one tertiary care hospital, five acute care hospitals, two cancer centers, one radiation therapy center and nine imaging centers outside of the hospitals.
As a part of Sarah Cannon's global cancer network, our family of cancer programs hospitals offers cutting-edge cancer treatments and clinical trials to patients in our community. This partnership also:
- Eases the burden of the cancer journey for you through new nurse navigation programs, which assist the patient through his or her experience
- Implements physician-led and patient-centric integrated care programs
Multidisciplinary oncology teams
To ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan, our specialists collaborate with one another to provide you high-quality care.
This team includes:
- Gynecological oncologists – Gynecological oncologists specialize in providing comprehensive diagnosis, treatment and management of cancers originating in a woman’s reproductive organs.
- Medical oncologists—Medical oncologists specialize in diagnosing and treating patients with cancer.
- Nurse Navigators – Nurse Navigators are registered nurses with specialized training and certifications in oncology. They provide support and advocacy through each phase of prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.
- Pathologists—Pathologists study cells and tissues under a microscope and relay information about the cells to physicians to determine the appropriate treatment options.
- Radiation oncologists—Radiation oncologists specialize in treating cancer using high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors.
- Radiologists—Radiologists diagnose cancer by interpreting imaging studies of areas inside the body. Interventional radiologists perform minimally invasive, image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat cancers without the use of surgery.
- Reconstructive physicians (plastic surgeons)—Plastic surgeons use specialized procedures to reshape disfigurement that may occur as a result of cancer treatment.
- Surgical oncologists—Surgical oncologists use specialized surgical procedures to treat cancer, including the removal of solid tumors. They also perform biopsies to obtain tissue for diagnosis.
Specialized cancer services and programs we offer
We offer patients specialized cancer services and programs to ensure they receive high-quality care.
Cancer clinical trials
Sometimes, traditional or standard therapies for treating cancer are not effective for more complex cancers. This is why our experienced cancer care team is always exploring advanced treatment options as well as innovative techniques for the detection and prevention of cancer.
One of the ways we do this is through clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies conducted to answer important medical questions with the hope of finding better ways to treat diseases. They are used to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new or investigational drugs, combinations of new and/or existing drugs and drug delivery methods.
Access to newer treatments is offered with the ultimate goal that they will be more effective than standard treatments and offer hope to patients who may not be responding to existing therapies.
Cancer support and survivorship
We know that sometimes patients need more than their inpatient treatments to navigate their cancer journeys. This is why we offer a variety of cancer support services to provide patients with additional resources.
These services include:
- Cancer resource connections
- Cancer support groups – temporary Covid pause – returning soon
- Lymphedema management
- Oncology nurse navigators
- Oncology rehabilitation
- Financial Counselors
- Nutrition Counseling
- Patient Advisory Council
Genetic counseling
If you have a history of cancer in your family, you can ask your doctor if you may benefit from genetic counseling. A genetic counselor is a healthcare professional with special training in medical genetics and psychosocial counseling.
Our hospitals provide access to genetic counselors who help you understand how your familial history of cancer may indicate the potential for developing cancer.
Outpatient cancer rehabilitation
To help patients continue to heal, we provide outpatient rehabilitation treatments for patients who are receiving treatment for cancer. Our rehabilitation program is personalized to help the patient regain, maintain and enhance their lifestyles throughout cancer therapy treatments.
Our cancer rehabilitation program services include:
- Cognitive assessment
- Lymphedema therapy
- Mental health support
- Nutritional counseling
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Prescriptive exercise
- Speech and swallowing intervention
Cancer screenings
Early detection of cancer is one of the most important ways to ensure successful treatment. Our team is dedicated to cancer prevention and early detection through education and screenings.
Breast cancer screening
To ensure optimal breast health, our hospitals offer mammograms as a way to screen for breast cancer. Mammogram screenings use low-dose X-ray imaging technology to examine breast tissue and detect any abnormalities.
Colon cancer screening
One of the most common screening tools to evaluate gastrointestinal health and detect colon cancer is a colonoscopy. During a colonoscopy, doctors use a long, thin tube attached to a camera to view the colon and look for any polyps (abnormal tissue growths). Colonoscopies are recommended for patients with a higher-than-average risk of colorectal cancer.
For patients with an average risk of colorectal cancer, a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is recommended. A FIT is an annual stool test that screens for colorectal cancer. It’s convenient and done from the comfort of your home.
Lung cancer screening
To screen for lung cancer, our doctors will order a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan. CT is a specialized type of X-ray that generates a detailed view of the organs and tissues in the body. It allows doctors to view any potential tumors or growths in the lungs.
Cancers we treat
Our doctors are experienced in treating many types of cancers, including:
- Adrenal cancer
- Anal cancer
- Bile duct cancer
- Blood cancer
- Bone cancer
- Brain cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Gallbladder cancer
- Gastrointestinal cancers
- Gynecologic cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Rectal Cancer
- Skin cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Throat cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Tongue cancer
Treatments we offer
To ensure patients receive effective care, we offer many types of specialized cancer treatments.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy, a type of infusion service, is a drug-based treatment that uses powerful medicine to kill fast-growing cancer cells. Chemotherapy is a common treatment for many patients with cancer.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is an advanced cancer treatment that uses high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells. This form of treatment, a part of many patients’ care plans, works well when used with surgery and chemotherapy.
Interventional oncology
Interventional oncology is used to help patients whose cancer cannot be surgically removed or effectively treated with chemotherapy. Treatment options include radiofrequency ablation (RFA) (killing the tumor with heat) and cryoablation (destroying cancer cells with cold temperatures).
Some of our interventional oncology procedures include:
- Chemoembolization
- Complex biopsies
- Drug-eluting bead embolization
- Intra-arterial yttrium-90 radioembolization
- Tumor ablation
- Tumor embolization
Surgical oncology
When cancer is detected, one option for treatment is the surgical removal of the tumor. If the decision is made to proceed with surgery, our doctors specialize in the removal of many types of cancer. Our surgeons work together to determine the appropriate procedure.
Click here to find a Cancer Care location near you.
About Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute
As part of Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, our family of hospitals provides comprehensive cancer services with convenient access to cutting-edge therapies for people facing cancer in our communities. From diagnosis to treatment and survivorship care, our oncology expertise ensures you have access to locally trusted care with the support of a globally recognized network.