Cancer care & treatment information - breast cancer, prostate cancer, skin, lung & other cancers plus bone marrow transplant in Washington






Clinical Laboratory Services Clinical laboratory testing plays a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of many diseases including cancer. Laboratory tests are provided to patients in connection with their chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments. Clinical Laboratory Technologists and technicians, also known as Medical Technologists and technicians, perform most of these tests. They examine and analyze blood and other body fluids utilizing state-of-the-art equipment to provide a vast volume of information to enable your physicians to prescribe the appropriate treatments and/or preventive measures to ensure the best therapy for you. Advances in laboratory testing are continually occurring to enhance the early detection of many types of cancer. Along with detecting cancer, these tests will monitor the response of the therapy given and determine effective treatment options for you. Diagnostic Radiology Diagnostic Radiology is the use of lower energy x-rays to help visualize anatomy of the human body. Many types of exams can be performed according to the type of problem the patient is experiencing. These exams can include ultrasound, MRI, CT, nuclear medicine, and radiography. Often times contrast material or "dye" is used during a radiology procedure to help highlight problem areas. Hematology Hematology is the study of blood and blood-forming tissues and the study of the nature, function, and diseases of the blood and of blood-forming organs. Hematologists often deal with diseases such as leukemia, coagulative disorders like hemophilia, Hodgkin s Disease, Multiple Myeloma, lymphoma, etc. Medical Oncology Medical Oncology is a service provided by a team that consists of Medical Oncologists and Oncology Nurses. This team plays an important role in the care of cancer patients by providing education to the patients and their families about various forms of cancer and the temporary side effects of cancer treatment. Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment for cancer. The side effects can vary depending on the chemotherapy regimen received. Throughout treatment, cancer survivors are closely monitored by the healthcare team. We have an excellent nursing team that is a great resource for cancer care information. Nutritional Counseling Many patients have an altered nutritional status while receiving treatment for cancer. Personnel are available at our office who can provide guidance to the patient regarding his/her personal nutrition problems and needs. Radiation Oncology When a patient discovers that he has cancer, he is referred to a specialist or Oncologist. The specialist used for radiation is known as a Radiation Oncologist. The first appointment with the Radiation Oncologist is known as a consultation. This is when the patient is educated to the potential benefits, side effects and alternative treatments that are available for their specific stage of disease. If the patient elects to have radiation therapy, they are set up for a simulation. A simulation is a process in which the physician identifies, via x-ray filming, the area of treatment. The physician places the patient in the position that would be used daily for treatment. This process usually takes about an hour and is used as a planning day for the course of treatment. Special devices may be made for the patients that help to immobilize the patient and create reproducibility of the set up for multiple days of treatment. Other devices that help to shape the radiation field, known as blocks, may be created as well. Once all is complete with the simulation, dosimetry takes over. Dosimetry is the planning via computer to provide the patient with a set up that allows large doses of radiation to target the cancer, while minimizing the dose to the surrounding healthy tissue. This is also the stage when the specialist determines the length of time to leave the radiation on. Once these processes have been completed, the patient is set for treatment, or Radiation Therapy. The treatment is odorless, invisible and painless. Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy x-rays or radioactive materials to kill cancer cells. The term "radiation therapy" incorporates various techniques, including external and internal radiation. Support Services Cancer Care Northwest's licensed social worker is available at all three Spokane locations to assist patients and family members who can benefit from individual counseling sessions, in-home and hospital visits, and grief counseling. She can also assist with housing, transportation, home health care, Medicaid/Medicare/DSHS services, assistance programs for medication and legal issues, and access to various community resources. For patients and families who may benefit from sharing their experiences with others, a wide range of support groups is available, including some with specific disease focus.

The information provided within this website is not intended as medical advice. It should never be substituted for a consultation with a healthcare professional. Please contact your physician with questions or concerns about your health condition.

Copyright © 1999 - 2008 Cancer Care Northwest Centers, P.S. All Rights Reserved