Oncology

The best cancer care begins with an accurate diagnosis. We accomplish this through the dual services of our in-house diagnostic imaging and medical laboratory (lab). We also offer genetic testing to help determine your level of risk for developing certain cancers.

Diagnostic imaging

Our diagnostic imaging services include:

• 3D mammography
• Computerized tomography (CT) scans
• Electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy
• Hematology services
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Molecular imaging
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scanning
• Sentinel node biopsy
• Stereotactic-, ultrasound- and MRI-guided biopsies
• Ultrasound

Diagnostic lab

Our diagnostic laboratory is available 24/7 for both inpatient and outpatient services, including:

• Anatomic pathology
• Bone density screening
• Chemistry and therapeutic drug monitoring
• Clinical microscopy
• Coagulation
• Cytology
• Hematology testing
• Microbiology
• Serology (diagnostic immunology)
• Transfusion medicine
• Urinalysis

Genetic testing

Genetic testing is a vital tool for determining whether your family history may increase your risk for certain cancers. Genetic testing can also examine whether you have genes that could increase cancer risks for your children. No genetic test can make definitive judgements about future cancer developments, but testing can inform your decision making process.

Most cancer patients receive a combination of treatments. Depending on your type of cancer and other health factors, your personalized care plan will likely include one or more of the following treatments, including:

• Advanced radiation therapies — These include image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), stereotactic radiosurgery and volume-modulated arc therapy (VMAT).
• Brachytherapy — This treatment uses seed implantation to treat gynecologic cancer, small lung lesions, breast cancer and prostate cancer.
• Infusion therapies — Available infusions include chemotherapy, which uses chemicals to kill cancer cells, and immunotherapy, which amplifies your immune system to target cancer cells.
• Minimally invasive and robotic surgery — This approach can be used for breast, colorectal, gynecological, kidney, skin and thyroid cancers. These procedures may result in less pain, as well as a shortened recovery time and hospital stay.
• Radiation therapy — This treatment uses targeted doses of radiation to destroy cancer cells, typically in hard-to-reach areas such as spots near vital organs.

Clinical trials

Our oncology program is committed to advancing cancer treatments. As our patient, you have the option to participate in clinical trials for the following cancers:

• Breast cancer
• Gastrointestinal cancer
• Head and neck cancers
• Leukemia
• Lung cancer
• Lymphoma
• Myeloma
• Ovarian cancer

High-dose rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy

We are the first and only hospital in Southwest Virginia to offer HDR brachytherapy. Used for treating prostate cancer, HDR brachytherapy is a convenient and precise form of minimally invasive radiation therapy that is changing the landscape of prostate cancer treatment.

HDR brachytherapy allows you to undergo full radiation therapy in just one to two outpatient treatments, rather than the traditional weeks-long regimen of daily treatments. Delivering higher doses of radiation to specific areas of the body, we use computer-guided catheters to temporarily place radioactive seeds in your tumor cavity. The radiation is delivered in minutes and is then completely removed from your body, rather than remaining inside the body between treatments like traditional radiation therapy.

While HDR brachytherapy's prostate cancer treatment success is still comparable to traditional external beam radiation, this method offers reduced side effects and less damage to nearby tissues and organs.

Having a supportive community is crucial to your cancer treatment plan. We offer a range of support programs to help you and your family navigate your care journey.

Our cancer support services include:

• Counseling services for patients, family and friends
• Nutritional counseling
• Outpatient cancer education programs
• Payment and insurance assistance
• Rehabilitation services and exercise programs
• Spiritual guidance with nondenominational faith leaders
• Strategies for managing emotions, pain and fatigue
• Support groups
• Swelling and fluid retention care

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.

askSARAH helpline

Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (804) 591-4152.