Oncology

We are equipped to perform a variety of diagnostic tests for cancer, including:

• Biopsy
• Cervical screening
• Colonoscopy
• Digital rectal exam (DRE)
• Lab work
• Lung computerized tomography (CT) scan
• Mammogram
• Prostate health index (PHI)
• Prostate specific antigen (PSA)

If you or a loved one is interested in getting tested for cancer, you can view our mobile cancer screening unit schedule and request an appointment. This convenient service provides complimentary cancer screenings for qualified individuals on certain dates and at specified locations throughout the community.

If you ever notice the presence of a new lump or swelling in your breast, we encourage you to see us right away. Our oncology team works to detect breast cancer early, so we can begin any necessary treatments as soon as possible. As needed, we will attentively assess your overall breast health, devise a personalized care plan and provide thoughtful treatment.

Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, typically starts as a polyp in the colon or rectum. If left untreated, it can develop into a cancerous growth that may become more serious over time. As you reach and surpass 50 years old, we strongly recommend getting tested for colon cancer on a routine basis, especially if you have diabetes, smoke or drink excessive amounts of alcohol. You should also take extra precautions if your family history puts you at greater risk for this type of cancer.

If you develop chronic shortness of breath, a cough or chest pain, you may want to consider getting tested for lung cancer. We have the technologies and therapies required to diagnose and care for the disease, and our care practices are designed to support your physical and mental health following a diagnosis.

The prostate is part of the male reproductive system, and is susceptible for slowly developing cancer over time. You may suspect you have prostate cancer if you experience issues urinating, painful ejaculation or unusual discomfort in your back, hips or thighs. Like colorectal cancer, men should continually get screened for prostate cancer when they reach and surpass 50 years old. At our facility, we have a team of specialized medical professionals to test and treat you for prostate cancer using a wide range of methods.

Skin cancer is the development of abnormal skin cells, which can grow out of control and damage surrounding healthy tissue. If left untreated, some types of skin cancer can spread to other parts of the body.

You should contact your family doctor or a dermatologist if you notice some common skin cancer symptoms, including:

• Abnormal mole
• Change in the way an area of skin looks, including scaliness, roughness, oozing or bleeding
• Lesion of the skin that alters in size, color, shape or sensation (bleeding, itching, tenderness or pain)
• Lesion that appears different than the rest of your background skin
• Sore that doesn’t heal within one month

In addition to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, we provide a range of care options, such as:

• Blood infusion
• Blood transfusion
• Bone marrow biopsy
• Insertion of central venous catheter
• Intravenous (IV) antibiotics
• Paracentesis
• Spinal tap
• Thoracentesis

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy works to attack cancer cells as they are growing and dividing. It may be used to shrink tumors before surgery, and then used afterward to destroy any remaining cancer cells and prevent the spread or recurrence of postsurgical cancer.

Additionally, chemotherapy may be used alone or in combination with radiation, surgery and other medical therapies, such as hormones. Most individuals receive chemotherapy as an outpatient service, and it may be delivered on a daily, weekly or monthly schedule. Your oncologist will discuss this with you.

Radiation oncology

Radiation oncology, also called radiotherapy or radiation therapy, involves treating cancer with beams of high-energy radiation that's many more times the amount of a regular X-ray. We are Central Louisiana's first dedicated radiation therapy facility specializing in both inpatient and outpatient radiation.

Our cancer specialists may use radiation therapy to:

• Decrease pressure or pain caused by a tumor (palliative care)
• Direct large doses of radiation directly at a tumor during surgery
• Shrink a cancerous tumor before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy)
• Stop the growth of any remaining cancer cells after surgery (adjuvant therapy)

Radiation therapy is typically performed on an outpatient basis about five days a week, over a period of one to eight weeks. Treatment sessions last approximately 30 minutes. Other kinds of external radiation therapy we offer include intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), considered one of the most advanced cancer treatment technologies in the country.

Surgical oncology

You may require surgery to remove a cancerous tumor if it's unable to be treated effectively with chemotherapy or radiation. Although our preference is to treat your condition with nonsurgical means, our surgeons stay prepared to address your unique health needs. Whenever we can, we use minimally invasive surgical techniques to give you access to potential benefits, such as:

• Fewer surgical complications
• Less scarring
• Reduced postsurgical pain
• Quicker recovery

Our hospital meets and exceeds national quality standards, providing a range of amenities and care practices, including:

• Advanced outpatient unit
• Breast imaging capabilities
• Committed physicians who regularly attend cancer conferences
• Dedicated inpatient unit
• Diagnosis to treatment times that are as fast as possible
• Education for you and your family
• Robot-assisted surgical procedures
• Support from our nurse navigator and genetics counseling program

Our current resource hours of operation are:

• Monday to Thursday — 9:00am to 4:00pm
• Friday — 9:00am to noon

To find out more, please call us at (318) 769-7200.

We are committed to helping you connect with an oncologist who can meet your unique medical needs. Learn about our available radiation oncologists to get one step closer to receiving specialized cancer treatment.

You can also read our blog to browse helpful cancer tips online.