Cancer Treatments

Navigating a Cancer Diagnosis

When it comes to cancer, an early diagnosis is often the most important aspect of long-term survivability. Diagnosing and staging cancer involves a multidisciplinary team of professionals that includes primary care physicians, surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and others.

These professionals rely on advanced diagnostic procedures—ranging from blood work and biopsies to detailed MRI and CT scans—to help identify the type and stage of cancer.

Diagnostic services include:

- - 3D Digital mammography (ACR and FDA Accredited)
  - 1.5 TESLA Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  - ABI-vascular testing
  - Bone densitometry (DEXA)
  - Breast MRI
  - Computed Tomography (CT) scan
  - Diagnostic and interventional radiology
  - Fluoroscopy
  - LDCT - Lung Screening
  - Nuclear medicine
  - Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan
  - Radiology/Digital X-ray
  - Ultrasound

Effective cancer treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach. At Sovah Health, we combine the expertise of specialists, surgeons, pathologists, radiologists and additional support services to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient. Treatment options may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery or a combination of these. Your involvement in the decision-making process is essential, and we prioritize open communication throughout your care.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses large doses of radiation to eliminate cancer cells and shrink tumors. The radiation is directed to the affected area, minimizing damage to the surrounding skin and tissue.

Electrons are used to treat skin cancers and other superficial lesions, as they are absorbed by the first few centimeters of skin, leaving very little dose to pass into the body. Radiation therapy is used to both destroy cancer cells and alleviate the symptoms of cancer. There are several non-malignant conditions treated using radiation therapy.

Advantages of Radiation Therapy

Thanks to advances in radiation therapy technology, treatment is more precise than ever. Advantages of our radiation technology include:

- - Quicker and more precise treatments allow us to target the tumor with a high level of accuracy while leaving healthy tissue unharmed.
  - Imaging techniques allow the radiation oncologist to closely track tumors before and during radiation, allowing for personalized treatment plan adjustments as needed.

Radiation therapy may be given alone or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or immunotherapy. Because each cancer type requires a different approach, each patient’s treatment plan is customized to their unique needs and treatment goals.

Radiation therapies at Sovah:

- - 3D conformal radiation therapy
  - Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) - Martinsville only
  - Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
  - Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses powerful medications to destroy cancer cells. The treatment may be used alone or combined with surgery, radiation therapy or hormonal therapy. While chemotherapy can cure some cancers, it also effectively manages the disease in others.

The duration and type of chemotherapy depends on the type of cancer and the patient's response to therapy. Regular evaluations, including blood work and possible CT or PET/CT scan, will help determine the effectiveness of the treatment and if it needs to be adjusted for improved outcomes. Chemotherapy is provided on an inpatient and outpatient basis.

Receive chemotherapy treatment at one of our Sovah locations:

Danville Campus

Sovah Cancer Center -
Medical Oncology & Hematology
142 S. Main Street
Danville, VA 24541
434.793.0044

Martinsville Campus

Ravenel Cancer Center
320 Hospital Drive
Martinsville, VA 24112
276.666.7827

Surgery

Using a unique team-based approach, the medical oncology team collaborates with Sovah Health's radiologists, pathologists, surgeons and radiation oncologists to design a specific treatment plan for each patient. Under the medical oncologist's supervision, our oncology certified nurses administer chemotherapy and other supportive infusion services. Each patient is closely monitored to assess progress and treatment effectiveness.

Length of recovery depends on the type of procedure. If necessary, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery.

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