Oncology services in East Texas
At UT Health East Texas HOPE Cancer Center, our compassionate team of oncologists are committed to providing comprehensive cancer care tailored to your individual needs. Our cancer center provides care for various types and stages of cancer, including breast cancer, GI cancers, prostate cancer, and lung cancer. Our services include comprehensive cancer screening services such as 3D mammography and biopsies, as well as colonoscopies and low-dose CT scans for lung cancer. If you have already been diagnosed with cancer, our oncologists offer a wide range of treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and cancer surgery. No matter your needs, our compassionate oncologists are here to stand by you on your cancer journey every step of the way, from diagnosis to treatment, recovery, and beyond.
Types of cancer we treat
The highly trained specialists at UT Health East Texas HOPE Cancer Center provide comprehensive care for a variety of cancers. No matter what type of cancer your have or what stage it is at, our oncologists are prepared to offer exceptional oncology care tailored to your individual needs.
We provide care for the following types of cancer:
- Breast cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Colorectal and GI cancers
- Lung cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Skin cancer
If you require care for another type of cancer not listed above, rest assured that our team will ensure you receive the treatment you need. Please call us to learn more about our services.
Our cancer screening services
Screening for cancer is crucial, even if you feel healthy. Regular screenings can detect cancer at its earliest stages, significantly improving your chances for a positive outcome. It’s important to stay up-to-date on risk factors and know when you’re due for a screening.
At UT Health East Texas HOPE Cancer Center, our oncology team provides comprehensive cancer screening services, including:
- Breast cancer screenings
- Cervical cancer screenings
- Colorectal cancer screenings
- Lung cancer screening
- Prostate cancer screening
- Skin cancer screenings
Learn more about our cancer screening services.
Genetic testing
Genetic testing can help determine if you’re at increased risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer due to your family history. Knowing your cancer risk may help you and your doctor make better informed decisions about increased surveillance, early detection and treatment of certain cancers. Genetic testing allows our oncologists to look inside the DNA of a patient and determine whether or not there is a mutation present. Sometimes a change, called a mutation, exists. This can put someone at an increased risk of a disease.
If we suspect a risk of mutation in the family, we want to look at your family’s medical history. We’ll have you fill out a detailed questionnaire, and if a pattern suggests a certain mutation may be present, we’ll recommend genetic testing. This is recommended for individuals that meet very strict criteria. Because the mutations are rare, we need to find a specific pattern in a family that meets the criteria to suggest the possible presence of a mutation. If the individual tests positive, this would mean that their relatives should also consider genetic testing.
The testing procedure itself is done with a saliva sample, and occasionally a blood test. If the test comes back positive, we’ll meet with you to discuss your findings and any next steps. The UT Health East Texas Hope Breast Center genetic educator accepts referrals from healthcare providers and evaluates each referral based on family history to determine if they meet criteria for genetic testing and/or high risk management.
Screening ultrasounds are also offered as a supplemental test in conjunction with screening mammograms for women with dense breasts. Dense breasts have more fibrous and glandular tissue than fatty tissue, which can also make it difficult for a radiologist to spot cancer on a mammogram. Studies have shown that ultrasound and MRI can help find breast cancers that can’t be seen on a mammogram.
Chemotherapy
At UT Health East Texas HOPE Cancer Center, we provide top-tier chemotherapy treatment. The expert team of oncologists and specialized nurses at our chemotherapy centers are dedicated to providing compassionate care tailored to your needs. We utilize the latest advancements in treatment to support each patient’s unique journey with personalized attention, ensuring the best possible outcomes. Trust our chemotherapy clinics to be your committed partner in your fight against cancer.
About chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a type of medication commonly used to treat cancer. Also called “chemical therapy,” it works by damaging cancer cells slowly over time, with interruptions in treatment so that normal cells can have time to recover. Cancer cells have faulty DNA, so they cannot recover (replicate) normally, and with continued chemotherapy, these cancer cells die off.
Chemotherapy can be administered in various forms. It can be taken by injection, infusion, or even by pills. Side effects of chemotherapy include low red blood cell counts, low white blood cell counts, hair loss, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. However, new chemotherapy medications are continuing to be developed that minimize these unwanted side effects.
Should you receive a positive cancer diagnosis, our oncology care team will work with you to determine the best course of treatment for your particular diagnosis and needs. Depending on your type of cancer, your treatment plan may also include radiation therapy or cancer surgery.
Radiation therapy
At UT Health East Texas HOPE Cancer Center, our radiation treatment centers are staffed by some of the best radiation oncologists in the field. We utilize cutting-edge technology and tailored approaches to deliver effective radiation therapy for various types of cancer. Our goal is to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to enhance your treatment experience and outcomes.
Learn more about radiation therapy.
Cancer surgery
Surgical removal of cancerous tissue, along with a margin of healthy tissue, is one of the most common and effective forms of cancer treatment, along with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Like those methods, surgery may be used alone for some patients or in combination with other forms of treatment.
Surgery can also help prevent cancer by removing precancerous tissues before they become cancerous. Cancer surgery is also frequently used to diagnose and stage certain cancers, as well as to relieve symptoms. Of course, there are always risks with surgery (or any cancer treatment), so HOPE Cancer Center of East Texas works with highly experienced, top-quality surgeons to minimize risks and ensure the best possible outcomes.
Our cancer surgeons provide surgical care for the following types of cancer:
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer
- Genitourinary cancer
- Lung cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Skin cancer
For more information on the oncology therapies we offer and coordinate, or to schedule an appointment, call UT Health East Texas HOPE Cancer Center at 903-592-6152.
