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

Effective cancer treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach. At Frye Regional Medical Center, 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 strong energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. Over time, your body naturally removes these damaged cells.

Different types of radiation are used depending on what is being treated. For example, electron radiation is often used for skin cancer and other conditions close to the surface. It works within the first few centimeters of skin, leaving very little dose to pass into the body.

Radiation therapy may be used alone or with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or surgery. It can also be used to help relieve symptoms caused by cancer and to treat certain non-cancerous (benign) conditions. Your care team will design a personalized treatment plan based on your overall health, the type of cancer and its stage.

The Radiation Team

• Radiation oncologist: A physician who oversees the radiation treatment plan.
• Medical radiation physicist: A specialist who monitors treatment safety.
• Medical dosimetrist: A specialist who ensures precise and customized radiation dose.
• Radiation therapist: The operator of the radiation equipment.
• Registered nurses: Your support person throughout treatment.
• Licensed dietitian: The nutritionist who helps manage side effects and support health.
• Patient navigator: A healthcare professional who assists with scheduling and accessing resources.

Advantages of Radiation Therapy

Thanks to advances in radiation therapy technology, treatment is more precise than ever. These advances help doctors target cancer cells while protecting healthy tissue. Some key benefits of radiation therapy include:

• Highly precise accuracy
• Shorter treatment times
• Minimal healthy tissue exposure
• Close tumor tracking
• Personalized treatment adjustments

Radiation Services We Provide

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy
A treatment that shapes the beam, so it hits the tumor and protects healthy tissue.

Image-guided radiation therapy
A technique that uses pictures taken right before treatment to help your care team aim the radiation.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy
A treatment that gives very focused, high-dose radiation, often in five sessions or fewer.

High dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy
Tiny radioactive sources placed inside the prostate to destroy cancer cells from within. The sources are removed after each treatment.

Advanced technology
Systems that deliver precise, customized radiation treatment, such as a linear accelerator.

Multidisciplinary clinics
Team-based clinics that use different cancer specialists to plan your treatment.

For more information about Frye Regional’s radiation oncology, please call 828.315.3355.

Chemotherapy & Immunotherapy

Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses medications to destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells. It is often combined with immunotherapy, which helps your immune system fight cancer. During your medication treatment, your medical oncologist will closely monitor your progress and make adjustments based on your body’s response, side effects and treatment goals. Cancer-fighting medications may be administered intravenously (IV), orally (pills) or by injection (shot) at intervals determined by your care team. Most treatments are delivered in an outpatient setting, though some may require a hospital stay. Depending on your diagnosis, your plan may also include other therapies, such as radiation or surgery, to provide a comprehensive approach to care.

For more information about chemotherapy at the Frye Regional Infusion Care Center, please call 828.315.3043.

Lymphedema Clinic

Living with swelling after cancer treatment can be uncomfortable, but our clinic helps you find relief. Certified lymphedema therapists use gentle, proven techniques to reduce fluid buildup and ease discomfort. Massage therapy and compression wrapping can help lower swelling, improve movement and reduce the risk of infections, like cellulitis. Our goal is to help you feel more comfortable and supported as you continue your recovery.

For more information about our lymphedema program, please call 828.315.3186.

Surgery

Using a unique team-based approach, the medical oncology team collaborates with Frye Regional Medical Center'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.