Cancer care in North Texas
Medical City Healthcare is the destination of choice for cancer care in North Texas.
We offer integrated oncology services with convenient access to leading-edge therapies for people facing cancer in our community.
Have cancer questions?
We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated, confidential helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7.
We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated, confidential helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7.
Our services
As a part of the Sarah Cannon Cancer Network, Medical City Healthcare hospitals provide:
- Greater access to leading-edge therapies for patients
- Physician-led and patient-centered cancer treatment programs
- Nurse navigation programs to help you through every step of the cancer treatment process
- Oncology centers of excellence designed with input from oncologists and cancer care staff
Cancers we offer treatment for
Many cancers exist, and they can develop in different areas of the body. Tumors are classified as either benign, meaning they don't invade surrounding tissues or travel (metastasize) to other parts of the body, or malignant, meaning they exhibit aggressive growth and invasiveness and can be life-threatening.
Cancers are further classified by the type of cell that resembles the tumor and, therefore, the tissue presumed to be the origin of the tumor.
We offer treatment for a variety of cancers and noncancerous tumors, including:
Cancer screening
Our diagnostic imaging services can help detect cancer in its early stages.
There are many ways to detect cancer, including fecal occult blood testing and colonoscopy for colon cancer, Pap smears for cervical cancer and testicular self examinations for testicular cancer. We also provide screening and diagnostic services for the early detection of many types of cancer, such as breast cancer and lung cancer.
Breast cancer screening
We've partnered with Solis Mammography to provide the most accurate, comfortable and convenient breast health services available. Our diagnostic services include:
- 2D and 3D screening mammograms
- Diagnostic mammograms
- Breast ultrasounds
- Biopsy and bone density tests
Additional breast cancer screening services may be offered at our hospitals in North Texas.
Genetic and hereditary cancer testing
Our clinical cancer genetics program screens for all types of adult- and child-onset cancers and hereditary cancer syndromes. You're welcome as either a current patient of our hospital or with a referral from another facility or physician.
Genetic and hereditary testing may be recommended for people who have or meet:
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines/criteria
- Criteria for the clinical diagnosis of a well-described hereditary cancer syndrome
- A personal or family history of early onset cancer (usually before 50 years old) or multiple cancers in the same individual
- A strong family history of cancer
- A personal or family history of rare cancers, such as male breast cancer or ovarian cancer
- Central or Eastern European Jewish ancestry (especially with a personal or family history)
- Concerns about cancer risk or interest in a personal cancer risk assessment
Genetic testing sessions take about an hour. During the session, we'll discuss your personal and family history of cancer and explain in greater detail how genetic inheritance affects risk.
Annual Health Screenings
It’s easy to take an active role in your health. This year, take charge and use our screening checklist below to make sure you and your provider are on the same page and you’ve got all the necessary annual exams on your calendar.
It’s easy to take an active role in your health. This year, take charge and use our screening checklist below to make sure you and your provider are on the same page and you’ve got all the necessary annual exams on your calendar.
Cancer diagnosis
Diagnosing cancer usually requires a pathologist, although indications of cancer can be revealed through regular screenings or symptoms. Three main groups of symptoms are recognized:
- Local symptoms, which can include unusual lumps, swelling, pain or hemorrhage
- Metastasis symptoms, which can include enlarged lymph nodes, bone pain or coughing
- Systemic symptoms, which can include poor appetite, weight loss, excessive sweating, anemia or excessive fatigue
This is an incomplete list, and a variety of conditions not related to cancer may cause the above symptoms.
When cancer is suspected, your doctor will typically recommend a biopsy. A biopsy is a sampling of tissue delivered to a lab for examination. Some biopsies can be performed in a doctor's office, while others require anesthesia and an operating room.
The biopsy diagnosis will determine the type of multiplying cell and help your doctor recommend the best course of treatment. Your physician will also identify the grade of cancer, which is determined by how closely the cancer cells resemble normal cells and how fast the cells are growing.
Cancer treatment options
Oncologists in our network can treat cancer using surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and other methods. The most effective type of treatment depends on the location and grade of the tumor, the stage of the disease and your general condition. The goal of cancer treatment is to remove the cancerous cells without affecting the rest of the body. However, each of the main methods of treatment have limitations and risks.
Surgery
Surgical oncologists perform surgery to remove tumors or to partially or completely remove affected organs or tissues. Surgery may also be used for diagnostic purposes or to treat symptoms such as bowel obstruction or spinal cord compression.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. It hinders the division of cancer cells, which prevents them from forming new ones. Most chemotherapy regimens combine two or more drugs, known as combination chemotherapy, since many drugs perform better together than separately.
While chemotherapy can harm healthy tissues, normal cells generally can repair themselves after chemotherapy. Chemoprotective agents help minimize the side effects of chemotherapy.
Transarterial chemoembolization
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a method of delivering chemotherapy. This method targets a tumor while sparing the patient from the typical side effects of traditional chemotherapy.
TACE can be used to treat primary liver cancer or metastatic liver tumors with the goal of extending survival, relieving pain and alleviating symptoms. TACE can also be used to down-stage patients or as a bridge to transplant in patients who are candidates for liver transplantation. This therapy can be performed multiple times to achieve the desired response in the tumor.
TACE is performed by inserting a tiny catheter into an artery in the groin or arm and then positioning the catheter in the artery feeding the liver tumor. Chemotherapy drugs are delivered directly to the tumor, and the chemotherapy agent is slowly released to destroy the tumor over a period of time.
Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy
The cancer specialists and surgical oncologists at Medical City Plano offer advanced treatment for primary peritoneal cancer (cancer originating in the peritoneum—a thin layer of tissue lining the abdomen) and peritoneal carcinomatosis (cancers that have spread to the peritoneum from gastrointestinal and gynecological organs located inside the peritoneal cavity).
Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a targeted treatment administered to only the abdomen instead of throughout your entire system. This method can reduce or eliminate some of the effects of traditional IV chemotherapy. Patients diagnosed with widespread cancer of the abdomen (peritoneal carcinomatosis) may be candidates for this treatment.
The HIPEC procedure delivers high doses of chemotherapy directly to cancer cells. Heating the cancer cells allows the chemotherapy drugs to be absorbed better so they can more effectively kill the cancer cells. Treatment is performed in a single session at the same time as surgery.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses radiation to treat cancer cells. This option is compatible with all types of cancer and can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as chemotherapy and surgery.
Selective internal radiation therapy
The goal of selective internal radiation therapy, performed on an outpatient basis, is to decrease a tumor's size and prevent growth. It's used for patients with liver cancer. If the tumor shrinks enough, patients may be reconsidered for surgery or transplantation.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that attempts to use immune mechanisms against tumors. Immunotherapy can be useful for diseases such as melanoma, kidney cancer, lymphoma and myeloma.
Hormonal suppression
Hormonal suppression involves blocking certain hormones to inhibit the growth of some cancers. Estrogen and testosterone are hormones typically suppressed in this treatment. Hormone therapy is commonly used for breast and prostate cancer.
Irreversible electroporation
Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a minimally invasive option for patients with inoperable or difficult-to-reach tumors, including tumors located near critical structures and major blood vessels. This treatment system uses electrical currents to destroy tumors.
Potential benefits of IRE include:
- No open incisions
- Less damage to healthy tissues
- Minimal postoperative pain
- Fewer side effects
- Shorter hospital stays
- Quicker postoperative recovery
- The ability to repeat the procedure if new tumors develop
Cancer clinical trials
Our clinical trials offer you the opportunity to participate locally in research that may help find better ways to prevent, screen, diagnose or treat cancer.
Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), a global leader in cancer research, has been a clinical trials leader in the majority of approved therapies for over a decade. You can search for clinical trials online based on your cancer diagnosis, or you can contact a Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) representative at (972) 202-8877 for more information.
Your cancer care team
Multidisciplinary oncology teams
With multidisciplinary teams of cancer doctors and specialists working together, including dietitians, pediatric doctors, social workers, pastors and psycho-social therapists, our cancer treatment centers are equipped to treat patients with a wide variety of cancers. We offer advanced treatment options and modern facilities, allowing us to provide high-quality cancer care across North Texas.
Specialized patient navigation
Your nurse navigator is a specially trained healthcare professional dedicated to supporting cancer patients. They work closely with you, your caregivers and your healthcare team to ensure seamless communication, coordinate care and help eliminate any barriers to treatment. Their primary goal is to advocate for your needs and enhance your access to care throughout your journey.
Our nurse navigators:
- Reinforce education on cancer types, treatment options and clinical trials
- Facilitate coordination of office visits, as needed, across various medical specialties to ensure a more efficient and streamlined cancer care experience
- Serve as your advocate in multidisciplinary team meetings to foster collaboration in your cancer treatment
- Be your continuous source of support, always available to answer any questions you may have
Cancer support
We understand that cancer support doesn’t begin and end with treatment.
We know a cancer diagnosis affects more than your physical health. That's why cancer support groups are a major part of cancer care at Medical City Healthcare. If you've just learned about a cancer diagnosis, are supporting a loved one through treatment or are transitioning into survivorship, we can connect you with a local community for ongoing care
Cancer rehabilitation
Through our cancer rehabilitation program, we provide a multidisciplinary approach focused on increasing your physical and emotional health. We use evidence-based practices and tools, and we'll work closely with you and your caregiver to create a specific, comprehensive care plan.
To help patients achieve the best physical, intellectual, social, psychological and occupational function possible given their disease and treatment, the Sarah Cannon Cancer Network at Medical City Healthcare offers a comprehensive physical therapy and rehabilitation program. Whether you're newly diagnosed or long past your final treatment, through these services, we can help you reach your goals and achieve optimal health.
Cancer survivorship
Oncology nurse navigators are an integral part of your multidisciplinary care team. They serve as advocates and educators, from your initial diagnosis through survivorship. The oncology nurse navigation program ensures that you always have a one-on-one connection with an oncology nurse who can help you make and keep appointments, get second opinions, find answers and resources, keep families informed and more.
After your cancer treatments are finished, the survivorship navigation program picks up where your nurse navigator left off. Having continued support and resources to help you get back into your life can make the transition easier.
Palliative care
Our palliative care programs provide support and resources to patients and families managing the path of a serious illness. We offer complete services to supplement your cancer care, focusing on the relief and management of:
- Physical pain
- Physical stress
- Mental stress
About HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network
Fighting cancer takes a team
HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network delivers you exceptional cancer care through cutting-edge, specialized treatments, multidisciplinary collaboration and care that is tailored to you. Our teams of passionate caregivers and global oncology experts across the United States and United Kingdom offer services and expertise that extend across many types of cancer. Together with the full support of HCA Healthcare – a leading provider of cancer care and research – we’re with you and your family from diagnosis through survivorship.