|
Cancer Services
SURGERY The treatment plan for breast cancer may involve surgery. After diagnostic testing has determined the location and size of the tumor and stage of cancer, it will be determined if surgery is a good option for treatment. Memorial Hermann offers a full range of surgical treatment options for breast cancer. A specially trained team of oncology physicians and oncology nurses employ the latest technology and techniques. We provide individualized information to help you make the most informed decisions about your breast cancer treatment. Surgical options at Memorial Hermann include: - Lumpectomy - This is known as a breast-conserving surgery, because as much of the breast as possible is saved. Often referred to as an excisional biopsy or wide excision, the first step of this two-stage treatment removes the lump in the breast along with some of the surrounding tissue. Axillary lymph nodes (under the arm) are evaluated. The second step is to follow surgery with radiation therapy to treat the remaining breast tissue.
- Partial mastectomy - Also called a segmental mastectomy, this surgery removes the part of breast that contains the cancer, some of the surrounding tissue and the axillary lymph nodes (under the arm) are evaluated. This procedure is often followed by radiation therapy.
- Total or simple mastectomy - During this surgery, the whole breast, including the nipple and areola, is removed. Some of the axillary lymph nodes may also be removed and evaluated. In some cases this procedure is followed by radiation therapy.
- Modified radical mastectomy - In this procedure, the entire breast is removed, including the nipple and areola, some of the lymph nodes under the arm, the lining over the chest muscles, and sometimes part of the chest wall muscles. The lymph nodes are evaluated. In some cases radiation therapy may be recommended.
- Radical mastectomy (Halsted radical mastectomy) - This procedure is rarely performed today. It involves removal of the breast which contains cancer, chest wall muscles beneath the breast, and all of the lymph nodes under the arm.
In addition to radiation therapy that may follow the surgeries, you may be prescribed chemotherapy treatment or hormone therapy to attempt to remove any remaining cancer cells. Breast reconstruction
If you choose to have a mastectomy, we provide a number of breast reconstruction options. In some cases, a surgeon with special expertise in reconstructive surgery may perform this operation at the same time as the mastectomy or after the mastectomy. Patients may also consider the use of a breast prosthesis. Back to top MEDICAL ONCOLOGY A subspecialty of internal medicine, medical oncology focuses on the diagnosis and medical treatment of solid malignant tumors and malignant hematologic disorders. Medical oncologists establish and evaluate the breast cancer diagnosis, determine the cancer’s stage and collaborate with surgeons, pathologists, radiation oncologists and other medical specialists to plan the optimal course of cancer treatment. Treatment plans may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, biotherapy, stem cell therapy, hormonal therapy, antibody therapy or other investigational therapies, such as whole-body hyperthermia. The medical oncologist makes important medical judgments throughout the cancer patient’s course dealing with anemia, infection, pain control and other complications which may impact overall survival. Biotherapy - Monoclonal Antibodies (Targeted Therapies) are used to destroy unique proteins present in certain types of cancers. Once the protein has been identified, it can be created artificially. Chemotherapy
Memorial Hermann offers patients convenient, comfortable and private chemotherapy treatment services. Both outpatient chemotherapy services, and inpatient chemotherapy services are provided by experienced and compassionate oncology nurses. Chemotherapy can be used to cure specific cancers, to control tumor growth when a cure is not possible, to relieve symptoms such as pain, to shrink tumors before surgery or radiation therapy, or to destroy microscopic metastases after tumors are surgically removed. To combat the side effects of chemotherapy, Memorial Hermann patients receive the newest therapies, including medicines that increase blood counts and prevent nausea and vomiting. The use of these therapies, along with new delivery devices, makes chemotherapy much easier for patients to tolerate. Outpatient Chemotherapy Services
Our outpatient chemotherapy services are available in convenient locations, close to our patients’ homes and families. Patients receive personalized treatment services using advanced technologies. Comfortable treatment areas, staffed by experienced, caring nurses, offer private recliner infusion chairs and entertainment materials. Inpatient Chemotherapy Services
Inpatient chemotherapy services are provided in the patient’s private room. All of our oncology nurses have received training on the administration of chemotherapy, ensuring the best patient experience possible. Each patient receives personalized care, in a comfortable, caring environment. Hormone Therapy
This form of cancer treatment removes hormones or blocks their action. It stops cancer cells from growing. Hormone therapy is often given to patients with early stage breast cancer as well as those with metastatic breast cancer. Back to top RADIATION THERAPY Radiation therapy is the use of ionizing radiation to treat cancer as well as some benign diseases. Ionizing radiation therapy injures or destroys cells in the areas being treated by damaging the cells’ genetic material, thus making it impossible for the cells to continue to divide and spread. Although radiation damages normal cells as well as cancer cells, we rely on the normal cells to repair themselves sufficiently for the tissues to recover. 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. Memorial Hermann uses advanced treatment-planning computer technology and a radiotherapy simulator to pinpoint the areas to be irradiated. Lower-power lasers reproduce treatment setups on a day-to-day basis to accurately reproduce treatment fields. Adjacent normal structures are blocked with a lead shield to prevent damage to healthy areas. Internal Beam Radiation Therapy (IBRT) or Brachytherapy
High dose-rate brachytherapy treatments, or interstitial radiation, offer a substantial reduction in overall treatment time, combined with the ability to treat cancers from within specific tumor sites, as opposed to delivery of external radiation therapy. This technique provides lower toxicity to normal structures and organs and offers proven benefits for certain patients with breast, endometrial, lung and prostate cancer. Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is the most precise form of radiation therapy, offering pinpoint accuracy of the area to be irradiated while increasing the likelihood of completely eradicating a tumor with targeted dose escalation. This therapy allows for the delivery of higher radiation doses to targeted areas with minimal complications for surrounding healthy tissue. IMRT uses computer-generated images from CT, MRI and PET scanners to generate three-dimensional images of the patient’s anatomy, resulting in radiation doses that more accurately match the size and shape of a tumor. It is especially useful in attacking tumors very close to or wrapped around critical organs. In other applications, the therapy can increase the chance of completely eradicating a tumor using targeted dose escalation, with a lower dose delivered to adjoining normal tissues and organs. IMRT is typically used to treat areas within the head, neck, prostate, brain and breast. The therapy is also helpful for people who experience a recurrence of cancer in an area that has been treated with conventional radiation therapy. Our newer linear accelerators deliver a full range of external beam radiation therapy treatments, enabling us to best tailor treatment to suit the needs of the patient. These linear accelerators deliver a uniform dose of high-energy X-ray to the tumor, destroying the cancer cells while sparing the surrounding normal tissue. MammoSite® Radiation Therapy System (RTS)
Some women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer now have an alternative to both mastectomy and lumpectomy followed by six weeks of radiation therapy. Completed in a week, MammoSite® radiation therapy is both safe and convenient. This newer therapy involves radiation twice a day for five days following the removal of the malignant tumor. The high-dose radiation is delivered internally using a balloon catheter surgically inserted into the cavity left by a lumpectomy, eliminating the need for mastectomy or external beam radiation. No radiation source remains in the body between treatments or after the final treatment, when the balloon is deflated and the catheter removed. This partial-breast radiation therapy preserves the patient’s breast while reducing the likelihood of cancer reoccurrence. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the MammoSite® RTS in May 2002. MammoSite® RTS is a registered trademark of Proxima Therapeutics. Back to top RECONSTRUCTION Breast reconstruction
If you choose to have a mastectomy, we provide a number of breast reconstruction options. In some cases, a surgeon with special expertise in reconstructive surgery may perform this operation at the same time as the mastectomy or after the mastectomy. Patients may also consider the use of a breast prosthesis. SURVIVAL Delivering an exceptional patient experience helps make Memorial Hermann a premier community cancer network. Memorial Hermann knows that the relationship between the cancer patient, primary care physician, oncologist and cancer specialists is critical. Our entire cancer-care team is available to provide emotional support during the course of each patient’s treatment. Specially trained oncology nurses, dietitians and social workers work with our physicians to assist our patients through recovery and healing. We're committed to providing patients with the information and support they need to make informed decisions that increase their chances of living long, productive lives. Our patient-centered services promote education, early detection and positive outcomes. Advanced Practice Nurse
Memorial Hermann’s Advanced Practice Nurse plays an important role in improving the inpatient treatment experience. With a master’s-level degree in clinical oncology and national certification in the field, the Advanced Practice Nurse helps cancer patients admitted to Memorial Hermann hospitals in many ways: - Provides direct patient care, including chemotherapy administration, helping to ensure that a patient’s treatment plan is clear to nurses Serves as a resource for nurses and physicians regarding advanced oncology nursing knowledge, including the evaluation of specific care delivery needs for patients
- Implements consistent chemotherapy administration policies and procedures for nurses across the hospital system, providing a patient experience consistent with national standards
- Educates patients on cancer treatments and symptom management, as requested
- Provides nurses with continuing oncology education, including chemotherapy certification classes
- Promotes new program development and improvement opportunities, including the integration of the latest clinical capabilities that may benefit cancer patients at Memorial Hermann
The Advanced Practice Nurse in oncology, unavailable at many other institutions, is another important reason to choose Memorial Hermann for cancer treatment. Cancer Treatment Planning Boards
A multidisciplinary team of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, radiologists and pathologists meets weekly to plan and discuss the specifics of care delivered to individual patients. Patient progress is reviewed each week, and treatment options are discussed to ensure the best possible outcome for each patient. In effect, these planning boards provide our patients with second and third opinions on their treatment. In addition, cancer registries track cases diagnosed and treated to evaluate and facilitate improved quality of care and patient outcomes. Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care
Memorial Hermann recognizes that superior care involves treating the whole patient - body, mind and spirit. Upon request, professional chaplains are available at each hospital to offer both emotional and spiritual support to cancer patients and their families. As an emotional and spiritual resource, hospital chaplains understand the personal concerns of cancer patients and help patients cope with the emotional stresses they are experiencing. Chaplaincy services include listening to patients, answering questions and offering short-term counseling, scripture and prayer, as requested. These services provide comfort to patients and their families during a difficult time. Back to top Clinical Trials
Cancer patients at Memorial Hermann have access to appropriate clinical trials through their doctors. Any patient participating in a clinical trial at Memorial Hermann receives the standard-of-care treatment, in addition to the new therapy under consideration. When a proven standard-of-care treatment seems to provide insufficient attack against a patient’s cancer, qualified patients can be enrolled in ongoing community-based trials. Genetic Counseling and Testing
Memorial Hermann offers cancer risk assessments, genetic testing, education and counseling for individuals at high risk for hereditary cancers such as breast, ovarian, colorectal and endometrial cancers. Lymphedema Services
Lymphedema is a chronic condition characterized by swelling of the patient’s extremities due to abnormal accumulation of lymph fluids. The lymphedema management program offers noninvasive therapies to help patients reduce limb swelling, attain maximum limb function and maintain limb health. Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center offers the only comprehensive lymphedema management program in Houston. Palliative Care
Palliative care is active total care for patients with serious illness. Care is provided for patients and families by an interdisciplinary team working collaboratively with the patient’s attending physician, who focuses on pain and symptom control, management of psychosocial and spiritual issues and grief/bereavement support. Palliative care is provided with other appropriate medical care and is not reserved only for patients at end of life. The goal of palliative care is to help the patient achieve the best possible quality of life. Integrative Medicine
Integrative medicine, part of palliative care, is associated with our S.P.I.R.I.T. Program: Supportive, Patient, Integrative, Rehabilitative, Intervention, Therapies. Research shows that integrating medical science with gentle complementary therapies may accelerate the healing process. These therapies are aimed to help individuals achieve a balance between the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of health. Therapies can elicit the relaxation response; ease anxiety, pain or other distressing symptoms by bringing about measurable physiological changes; and increase a sense of well-being. They do not interfere with any ongoing medical treatment, only enhance it. Our palliative-care nurse is highly trained in therapeutic massage, healing energy work such as therapeutic touch, Reiki, guided imagery, mind/body therapies, meditation techniques, conscious breathing and aromatherapy. We also offer a wide selection of healing music. Oncology Nurse Navigator
A specially trained registered nurse serves as an oncology nurse navigator and is available to patients and their families as a primary contact throughout a patient’s cancer diagnosis and course of treatment. Since a diagnosis of cancer is often overwhelming, the oncology nurse navigator helps to simplify the maze of cancer services required. Services provided by the navigator include: - Navigating patients through the entire medical experience, including diagnosis, treatment plan, appointments, billing, and all tests and procedures
- Coordinating patient care to ensure that tests and procedures are conveniently scheduled
- Facilitating referrals to surgeons and other cancer specialists
- Explaining lab and test results
- Offering patients one-on-one informational instruction about cancer, definitions of treatment and information about cancer services available at their hospital and throughout the Memorial Hermann system
- Providing educational materials on cancer, which helps to empower patients throughout the treatment process
- Serving as a contact once the patient is home
By looking after the best interests of the patient, the oncology nurse navigator makes the patient’s transition from diagnosis to treatment smoother and simpler. Patient Resource Center
Obtaining information about health, illness and treatment options can increase a patient’s ability to make informed decisions and ease the fear of the unknown. Resource centers at each of our hospitals provide an easy-to-access environment where resource experts can help find the information that patients and their families need. Free and open to the public, our resource centers help to promote education and improve patient outcomes. Psychosocial Assessment, Counseling and Support
Experienced oncology social workers are available to help patients with lifestyle changes, discharge planning and referrals to support groups and community agencies. Throughout its network of hospitals, Memorial Hermann offers support groups for breast cancer support groups, prostate cancer support groups and others for cancer patients. Other Patient Services
Memorial Hermann is committed to enhancing our patients’ quality of life through services such as wellness programs, nutritional counseling, smoking cessation classes, dance and exercise therapy, and on-site rehabilitation services. Our Wellness Center offers a variety of programs to help promote healing. To register for a class, please call 713.222.CARE (2273). English- and Spanish-speaking representatives are available seven days a week to help you. Back to top
|