Medical Oncology and Hematology

If you are diagnosed with cancer, making an appointment with a USA Health medical oncologist or hematologist in Mobile is the starting point for seeking the cancer care you need.

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The Role of a Medical Oncologist or Hematologist

When people are diagnosed with cancer, they need a doctor who takes the lead in their treatment and serves as a sort of “gatekeeper” for their care. Whether this is a medical oncologist or hematologist depends on the type of cancer.

Hematology: Blood Cancers and Other Blood Disorders

A hematologist is board certified in both oncology and hematology. Hematologists focus on diagnosing, staging, treating and curing blood cancers and systemic diseases such as:

Leukemia
Hodgkin’s disease
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Myeloma

Hematologists can also treat non-malignant blood disorders such as abnormally low blood platelets, chronic anemia and hemophilia.

Medical Oncology: Solid Tumor Cancers

A medical oncologist treats cancers that involve a solid tumor—that is, an abnormal growth of cells that mutate and become malignant. These cancers include:

Breast cancer
Lung cancer
Prostate cancer
Cervical cancer
Colorectal and colon cancers
Endometrial cancer
Liver metastases (secondary liver cancer)
Ovarian and uterine cancers
Pancreatic cancer
Skin cancer (including melanoma)
Stomach (gastric) cancer
Head and neck cancers

Oncologists at USA Health bring a deeper level of understanding and expertise to the patients they treat. Each USA Health oncologist focuses on a few specific cancers, rather than all types. As a result, our oncologists remain up to date on findings, discoveries and treatment advances for the cancers in which they specialize.

Tumor Board

One of the many advantages of cancer treatment at USA Health is the tumor board. In these weekly conferences, specialists from several disciplines gather to discuss cases involving specific kinds of cancers.

Together, our team examines the details and peculiarities of each case to reach a consensus about the best approach to treating each patient's cancer. No other provider in the region brings such a broad spectrum of expertise together on behalf of each patient.

Types of Cancer Treatments

Depending on the diagnosis, a multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists may involve any or all of the following treatment modalities.

Chemotherapy

USA Health follows guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) in providing evidence-based chemotherapy treatments. About 60 percent of our chemotherapy regimens are administered intravenously in one of our infusion suites, designed to provide a relaxed, healing atmosphere and make the process as stress-free as possible. Some chemotherapy doses are now taken orally. Our oncologists also use the da Vinci robot to apply chemotherapy directly to tumors.

Radiation

Our radiation oncologists have leading-edge tools at their disposal. These advanced technologies continue to improve, both in precision and effectiveness. Cancer-killing beams of radiation can now be delivered to a tumor with less damage to healthy cells. Radiation may often be the only protocol needed to shrink or even eliminate a malignant tumor.

Surgery

When radiation and chemotherapy alone can’t destroy the tumor, or when a patient’s care team determines that a tumor should be eliminated as soon as possible, our experienced surgical oncologists provide expert care. Using both traditional tools and state-of-the-art surgical technology, tumors are removed to give patients the best chance for positive outcomes.

Additional Support Services Available

A cancer diagnosis can affect more than just the patient's physical well being. That’s why USA Health offers the follow services to our cancer patients.

Oncology Navigation

USA Health staffs a team of supportive professionals who can help you navigate your battle with cancer from diagnosis to post-treatment follow-ups.

Mental Health

USA Health offers on-site mental health consultations to help patients dealing with the emotional and psychological strain of coping with cancer.

Survivorship

A cancer diagnosis is life changing. Our team helps turn patients into survivors—before, during and after treatment.

Genetic Counseling

Many cancers can be predicted based on genetic markers. USA Health offers the region's only certified genetic counselor to help patients understand their risks and what they can do to protect themselves.

Nutrition

Our on-site Registered Dietitians help patients determine and maintain a dietary routine to foster health and quality of life while undergoing cancer treatment. Maintaining good nutrition throughout therapy helps improve the chances for a successful outcome.

Social Work

Our on-site licensed professional social worker helps patients, families and caregivers access practical assistance with everyday problems that may arise as a result of a cancer diagnosis.

Supportive Care

At MCI we have an entire team devoted to supportive care. Supportive care includes tackling the psychological, social, and spiritual problems that can be related to having cancer and to dealing with the side effects of its treatment.

Pharmacy Services at MCI

MCI provides access to the newest, most advanced medications for cancer patients. On-site pharmacists work with patients and their doctor to monitor treatment and help prevent potential side effects.

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Genetic Testing

With the only certified genetic counselor in the region, USA Health helps patients with a family history of cancer determine their risks and what can be done about them.

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Second Opinions

If you’re concerned about the cancer diagnosis and treatment plan you have received, you may want to get a second opinion from a medical oncologist at USA Health.

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Support Groups

You don’t have to face cancer by yourself. Discover the many cancer support groups offered through USA Health and available in the Alabama Gulf Coast region.

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