Our team of medical oncologists meet the needs of cancer patients and their families with an interdisciplinary team of professionals who deliver services from diagnosis through treatment to work together toward the common goal of healing.
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Our Services
The medical oncologists on staff at Cayuga Cancer Center completed their oncology fellowship training at three of the country’s top universities (University of Massachusetts, Duke University, and Columbia University) and are board certified in oncology and internal medicine. They collaborate regularly with colleagues at several national cancer research institutes.
Our experienced team of cancer physicians and nurses provides the newest treatment protocols in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy for cancer patients, including participation in clinical trials. We have multiple sites for chemotherapy. Cancer patients can undergo chemotherapy in one of our beautiful, comfortable outpatient suites located in either Ithaca, Cortland or Montour Falls.
The Cayuga Cancer Center Department of Radiation Medicine is accredited by the American College of Radiology. This certification verifies that our program meets or exceeds national standards of care in radiation medicine.
Radiation therapy is available through Cayuga Cancer Center Radiation Therapy, which is located in a state-of-the-art facility adjacent to the medical center. Leading-edge technology (such as respiratory gating for patients with lung and breast cancer) and clinical trials ensure that radiation therapy patients have access to the latest radiation therapy protocols. The Cayuga Cancer Center also participates in the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG), which is a national clinical cooperative funded by the National Cancer Institute. The mission of RTOG is to improve the quality of life of patients diagnosed with cancer.
Oncology nurse navigation is associated with higher patient satisfaction and improved rates of screening and follow-up among cancer patients, which can result in earlier identification of new or recurring cancers. The oncology nurse navigators are registered nurses whose clinical expertise guides patients through the cancer continuum of care. This is done by working in partnership with multidisciplinary team members to provide timely screening, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive services. The oncology nurse navigators are here to help patients by assisting to in removing barriers to health care.
Our oncology nurse navigator:
- Acts an interpreter and educator about cancers for you and your family
- Helps patients and families navigate the medical system, from the time of diagnosis and through the continuum of your care
- Serves as a liaison between you, your doctors, and the medical center departments involved in your care
- Helps patients and families connect with community resources
Cancer detection and diagnosis are critical components of successful treatment. The Imaging Services Department of Cayuga Cancer Center offers the most comprehensive range of radiologic and imaging technology in the region. We are continuously evaluating, updating, and enhancing our technology and skills to stay at the front of current developments. The modalities we offer enable physicians to detect disease early, when it is most responsive to treatment:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including standard, open, and wide-bore scanners
- Computerized axial tomography (CT scanning)
- Most advanced 3D mammography
- Positron emission tomography (PET scan) and nuclear medicine
- Digital ultrasound
- SPECT/CT (hybrid nuclear medicine/CT scan)
- Sentinel node biopsy for breast cancer and malignant melanoma
- Stereotactic and MR-guided or ultrasound-guided biopsy
For more information on Cayuga Health Imaging Services click here.
For more information on the Cayuga Health Convenient Care Centers click here.
We understand women at Cayuga Health. We know that mammograms make women anxious and that waiting for exam results is stressful. We know that safety, comfort, and leading edge technology are patient-care essentials. And we know that women want individualized, personal care.
Our Breast Health Care program at Cayuga Health provides this and more.
Cutting-edge
- State-of-the-art digital mammography, ultrasound, and MRI.
- Mammography and Imaging Services in multiple locations located in Ithaca, Cortland, and Montour Falls.
- Immediate mammography exam results before each woman leaves the department.
- When additional views or testing are required, such as ultrasound, these exams are performed during the same appointment.
Compassionate
- A staff of expert, empathetic professionals who specialize in breast care and are genuinely concerned about the experience of each and every one of their patients.
- Only radiologic technologists who are women and are certified in mammography, ultrasound, and MRI perform exams.
- Immediate access to the radiologist who reviews the exam when patients have questions or concerns.
- Separate and discreet mammography suites at all three Imaging Services sites, for privacy and comfort.
Comprehensive
- The full scope of services, including screening for prevention and early detection of disease, prompt and accurate diagnosis of breast disease, access to the very latest treatment protocols, educational programs, and emotional support.
- Accreditation by the American College of Radiology of all breast care facilities.
- Board certified radiologists and mammography, ultrasound, and MRI technologists.
- A Cancer Care Program that is certified by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer
- An active network of community services
The Cayuga Health Laboratories are under the direction of a nationally recognized specialist in cytopathology, which is the study and diagnosis of disease at the cellular level and plays an essential role in the identification and staging of cancer. Laboratory work is critical in cancer care and Cayuga Health has a higher level of expertise in specialty care than many other hospitals in the region. Additionally, our pathologists are directly involved with patient care and make themselves available if a patient wants to talk with a pathologist about test findings. This is not true at many hospitals.
Our Laboratory is affiliated with the renowned Mayo Medical Laboratories, which serves as Cayuga Health’s official reference laboratory. Mayo Medical Laboratories are recognized as a world leader in esoteric tests for clinics and hospitals, and have the highest standards in quality and service. Through this collaboration, Cayuga Health provides timely, accurate, cancer specific testing and diagnosis for even the most unusual types of cancer.
Surgery for cancer diagnosis and treatment is performed by board certified surgeons who are trained in the diagnosis and removal of tumors. A number of our surgeons specialize in certain types of cancer surgery, such as head and neck surgery, thoracic (chest) surgery, colorectal surgery, tissue-preserving breast cancer surgery, and plastic reconstructive surgery to improve physical function and to minimize disfigurement or scarring resulting from cancer or surgery for cancer.
Approximately eight percent of all thyroid nodules are cancerous, and yet, in typical medical communities, completing the diagnostic work-up can take weeks. Under the leadership of endocrinologist Dr. Adam Law, Cayuga Health has established the Multidisciplinary Thyroid Nodule Clinic, which meets twice a month. In one visit, the team provides patients with a complete pathological work-up, the diagnosis, and the complete treatment plan before they leave the clinic.
We offer comprehensive Palliative Care Services to our patients to relieve suffering and to improve the quality of their lives at any stage of their illness, even at times they are undergoing treatment for advanced, chronic, or multiple illnesses. Because many of our palliative care patients move between our hospitals and Hospicare and Palliative Care Services of Tompkins County, our Palliative Care Team includes professionals from both organizations. We have medical expertise in pain and symptom control, and we can offer patients and families help through counseling, social work, and spiritual care to address the psychosocial and spiritual issues that are part of chronic and terminal illness.
SUPPORT
National Cancer Institute
The NCI coordinates the National Cancer Program, which conducts and supports research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer, rehabilitation from cancer, and the continuing care of cancer patients and the families of cancer patients.
American Cancer Society
In partnership with Cayuga Medical Center’s cancer program, the American Cancer Society provides diagnosis-specific information, referrals to community and ACS resources, and critical peer and professional support to all those facing a cancer diagnosis.
Cancer Resource Center
Through its Resource Center, 24-hour Helpline, Volunteer Support Companions, and Peer Information Network, the Cancer Resource Center provides support, information, and advocacy to area residents affected by cancer.
Cancer Services Program of Cortland and Tompkins Counties
Cancer Services Program of Cortland and Tompkins Counties helps those with little or no health insurance gain access to services to reduce the risk of breast, cervical, prostate, and colorectal cancers. For more information call (607) 758-5523.
Hospicare & Palliative Care Services
Hospicare & Palliative Care Services (HPCS) provides hospice services for people of any age with a terminal diagnosis, who are no longer receiving curative treatment. Our goal is to help people live their final months as fully and peacefully as possible, by providing emotional and spiritual support, medical case management, and collaboration with patients’ primary care providers. HPCS’s palliative care service PATH (Palliative Approach to Health) specializes in decreasing the burden of illness and educating and supporting those with life limiting disease. PATH provides advocacy and education to clients and 24/7 RN availability for support. Palliative physician consultations are also available for specific medical needs.
The Cancer Services Program of Broome, Chenango and Tioga Counties
The Cancer Services Program of Broome, Chenango and Tioga Counties is a partnership of community organizations and health care providers working to provide the residents of our region who are without health insurance with access to quality cancer screening services.
RESOURCES
