Radiation therapy is a very common treatment for cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, more than half of people with cancer receive radiation therapy. In some cases, it is used alone, or it may be combined with other treatments to ensure a patient’s cancer is treated as effectively as possible.
Archbold has invested in some of the world’s leading radiation oncology technologies, and our oncologists are pioneering new treatment methods—meaning residents of Thomasville and the surrounding areas have access to high-quality, advanced care close to home.
No matter which therapy is part of your treatment plan, it will be delivered under the direction of an expert radiation oncologist, physicist, dosimetrist and radiation therapist. The team works together to locate exactly where your cancer is and calculate and deliver a safe, optimal treatment dose. Our goal is to treat your cancer accurately with as few side effects as possible.
In addition to our advanced technologies, our oncologists and surgeons use brachytherapy —also known as internal radiation —to treat certain cancers of the cervix, prostate, and lung, among others.
In brachytherapy, the radiation oncologist places radioactive sources, such as catheters, seeds or mesh, directly into or near a tumor. These implants can stay in a patient’s body for minutes, hours or days, or they may be permanent.
Archbold also offers mesh brachytherapy, a newer form of targeted radiation that can benefit people with tumors in the chest or belly. In years past, complete tumor removal could be quite challenging in some circumstances, so brachytherapy at the time of open surgeries has become of interest to our team.
In 2011, Archbold general and thoracic surgeon Edward Hall, MD, and radiation oncologist Steven Johnson, MD, performed the first implant of cesium-131 mesh brachytherapy in Georgia—and the second in the world—using da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery. The procedure was done on a patient with early stage lung cancer, who had severely compromised lung reserve capacity.
Minimally Invasive Surgery, Maximum Results
da Vinci, used to implant mesh brachytherapy and perform other complex
cancer surgeries, is a leading-edge surgical system available at Archbold.
da Vinci allows surgeons to operate through small incisions, reducing
complications and recovery time, and improving patient outcomes.
da Vinci gives surgeons a 3D view of the area on which they are operating, and its small tools fit through incisions as small as a dime. Surgeons control the system’s robotic arm throughout the entire procedure. Because of its accuracy and small instruments, surgeons are able to operate on tumors in ways they may not have been able to using traditional surgery.
Residents of Southwest Georgia don’t have to travel for advanced, state-of-the-art cancer care. Learn more about the services offered at Archbold Cancer Center by calling 229.584.5400.
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