Cancer Care Services
Cancer Care Technology
Cancer Care Technology
Leading–edge Technologies: Advanced Diagnostics
Early detection through screenings is a crucial first step in the treatment process. Caught early enough, most cancers are curable. That’s why we employ some of the industry’s leading imaging and diagnostic technologies, including:
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
PET scanning is an imaging technology that can help detect cancer in its most treatable stages by allowing physicians to monitor metabolic functioning at the cellular activity where disease begins.
Stereotactic-Guided Core Biopsy
In this outpatient procedure, digital X-rays are used to determine the exact location of the tissue. Then a tiny needle is used to remove a portion of the tissue for examination. Compared to more invasive procedures used in the past, this process offers less discomfort, decreased recovery time, and no distortion of the tissue.
Sentinel Node Biopsy
Click here to view an animation of the
Sentinel Node Biopsy procedure.
The sentinel node is the lymph node that is the first node that is likely to be invaded by cancer cells if the tumor has spread. Prior to the sentinel node procedure, a radioisotope and dye are injected into the tumor site. The radioisotope and dye will settle in the sentinel node(s), just as the cancer cells would if the cancer had spread. Using a special detector, doctors can easily scan the area to detect the radiation and the sentinel node(s) and usually avoid more invasive surgery.
Once the exact location of the sentinel node is identified, a small incision (usually about one inch, compared to four to six inches with more invasive surgery) is made and the node is removed. Sentinel node biopsy offers many advantages to patients:
- Only one or two lymph nodes are removed for review by a pathologist, as opposed to ten to thirty nodes with axillary dissection.
- If the sentinel node does not contain cancer, the need to remove additional nodes is eliminated
- Because the procedure requires only a small incision, there are cosmetic benefits and fewer post-procedure complications.
- The procedure avoids the need for an overnight hospitalization.
Demonstrating IMRT, the newest radiation
technology, you can see how radiation methods
have improved! Watch as strategically
placed beams are applied
to cancerous tumors.
Advanced Technology: Advanced Healing
In the battle against cancer, today’s technology allows for more effective treatment with fewer side effects than was possible just a few years ago. In addition to traditional radiation and chemotherapy treatments, the LewisGale Regional Cancer Center offers several innovative treatments, including:
High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy
Following surgical removal of a tumor, the surrounding tissue is the most likely area to develop cancerous growths. HDR Brachytherapy delivers an irradiation source directly to this tissue while minimizing the radiation exposure to the rest of the body.
Linear Accelerator
MammoSite™ Radiation Therapy System
Designed for early stage breast cancer patients who have undergone a lumpectomy, MammoSite® is a specialized outpatient HDR brachytherapy treatment. In the procedure a catheter is implanted into the lumpectomy cavity and attached to the HDR brachytherapy unit to provide the treatment. The treatment usually lasts for five days or less with the patient being treated twice daily. MammoSite® is one of the most convenient breast cancer treatments in the world and current research is showing it to be effective in the treatment of early stage breast cancer. The Regional Cancer Center is the first to bring this treatment to Southwest Virginia.
Prostate Seed Implantation
Our brachytherapy services also include the Prostate Seed Implantation Program for the treatment of prostate cancer. In this program, radioactive seeds of Iodine 125 or Palladium 103 are inserted into the prostate for excellent control of many prostate cancers. Patients experience fewer side effects and shorter recuperation times than with traditional therapies.
Find a Physician
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Kathy P. Finney, FNP, RN, MS
LewisGale Physicians Salem Campus East
1802 Braeburn Drive
Salem, VA 24153
Maps & Directions -
William A. Fintel, MD
Blue Ridge Cancer Care
Lewis-Gale Medical Office Building-West
1900 Electric Road
Salem, VA 24153
Maps & Directions -
Jerome H. Goldschmidt, Jr., MD
Blue Ridge Cancer Care
2955 Market Street, Suite 5
Christiansburg, VA 24073
Maps & Directions -
Padmaja V. Mallidi, MD
Blue Ridge Cancer Care
2013 South Jefferson Street
Roanoke, VA 24014
Maps & Directions -
Paul D. Richards, MD
Blue Ridge Cancer Care
Lewis-Gale Medical Office Building-West
1900 Electric Road
Salem, VA 24153
Maps & Directions
Locations
-
Blue Ridge Cancer Care
Directions
Lewis-Gale Medical Office Building-West
1900 Electric Road
Salem, VA 24153
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