Cancer Services
From routine cancer screenings to complex treatment, the Cancer Center at Memorial Hermann Southwest brings together world-class skill, leading-edge technology and the most modern care available. We offer a continuum of diagnostic, treatment and support services designed with the needs of cancer patients in mind.
The physicians at the Cancer Center have been trained at highly regarded institutions. Many of our oncology nurses have completed national certification in oncology nursing and earned the credential OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse), the gold standard for oncology nurses. Oncology nurse navigators are strategically located throughout the Memorial Hermann System and are available to help cancer patients transition from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. Patients are then able to traverse their cancer pathway more easily and focus on recovery and healing.
In addition to highly personalized physical care, the care team at the Cancer Center also provides emotional support during the entire course of each patient’s treatment. Dietitians and social workers support the physicians and nurses, assisting patients through recovery and healing.
The Cancer Center at Memorial Hermann Southwest is accredited as a Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.
We specialize in the following cancers:
- Breast
- Colorectal
- Gynecologic
- Head & Neck
- Kidney
- Lung
- Neurological
- Prostate
- Thyroid
Our treatment services include:
- Full-service breast center
- Imaging
- Surgical oncology
- Robotic-assisted surgery
- Medical oncology
- Radiation oncology
- Plastic and reconstructive surgery
- Clinical trials
- Palliative care and hospice
- Inpatient oncology unit
Our support services include:
- Nurse Navigator
- Cancer exercise specialist
- Genetic counseling
- Tumor board
- Cancer registry
- Psychosocial counseling and support
- Lymphedema services
- Spiritual care
- Nutritional counseling
- Support groups
- Physical and rehabilitation services
- Pain management
Unique elements of our cancer program include:
Robotic-Assisted Surgery
The most common type of robotic surgery, the robotic prostatectomy provides access to the internal anatomy through five small incisions. Using the da Vinci® Surgical System, the surgeons at the Cancer Center perform precise, nerve-sparing surgery that results in more complete eradication of cancer, as well as retention of bladder control and potency. Patient benefits include shorter hospital stay, less pain, less risk of infection, less scarring and quicker return to normal activities.
Comprehensive, State-of-the-art Radiation Therapy
Intensity Modulation Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
The most precise form of external radiation therapy, IMRT is an advanced form of 3-D conformal radiation, which uses computer-generated, 3-D images to vary the shape and intensity of the radiation that is delivered directly to the tumor. IMRT helps destroy cancer cells while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue.
MammoSite®
Some women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer may be candidates for MammoSite. A quick and accurate radiation treatment after lumpectomy, this balloon catheter technique allows qualified patients to complete radiation therapy in one week compared to the typical course of six to seven weeks.
High-Dose Radiation (HDR) Brachytherapy
HDR treats cancer from within specific tumor sites, as opposed to delivery of external radiation therapy. HDR brachytherapy involves placing very tiny plastic catheters near the tumor site, and then delivering a series of radiation treatments through these catheters. This technique provides higher radiation doses directly to the tumor with lower toxicity to normal surrounding structures and organs.
Seed Implant Brachytherapy
Used to treat prostate cancer, tiny radioactive seeds are implanted directly into the prostate, where they emit low levels of radiation over a few months, minimizing the dose of radiation to the bladder and rectum. The use of ultrasound guidance ensures accurate seed implantation.
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
External beam radiation therapy is generally delivered in the form of either X-rays (photons) or electrons. This therapy can be used to treat cancer that lies deep in the body or close to the skin surface, adjusting the energy of the beam accordingly.
Dual-Energy Linear Accelerator
Linear accelerators deliver a uniform dose of high-energy X-ray to the tumor, destroying the cancer cells while sparing the surrounding normal tissue. Our Varian Clinac linear accelerator offers the most advanced clinical capabilities in the industry. Its advantages include high-precision, high-energy radiation beams focused accurately on the tumor.
Trilogy Image-guided Radiosurgery
In addition to the dual-energy linear accelerator, Memorial Hermann Southwest uses the Trilogy image-guided radiosurgery system from Varian Surgical Sciences. This linear accelerator delivers more precise radiosurgery treatment for brain and spinal tumors, as well as other central nervous system disorders. The Trilogy system is more comfortable for the patient because treatment sessions are shorter, combining patient convenience and comfort. This new robotic and automated system is the most precise and powerful image-guided radiosurgery technology in the world, offering patients fast, effective, non-invasive treatment on an outpatient basis.
Multileaf Collimator
Our computer-controlled multileaf collimator accurately designs the size and shape of a radiation beam to conform to the tumor during the treatment planning process. Individually adjusted metal leaves vary beam intensity by blocking and filtering to protect healthy tissue and ensure precise distribution of radiation therapy.
CT Simulator
CT simulation transmits X-rays through tissue to create a graphic display of the tumor and surrounding normal tissue. Using a high-speed, high-capacity computer, the CT simulator helps physicians understand the complex relationship between healthy and cancerous tissues. The information is recorded, analyzed and used to design an optimal treatment plan.
Memorial Hermann Southwest
Cancer Center
7600 Beechnut
Houston, TX 77074
713-456-4999