Oncology

Brain cancer can be classified as primary or secondary tumors. A primary malignant brain tumor is a rare type of brain cancer that accounts for only a small percentage of cancer cases, while secondary tumors are more common. They spread to the brain from other parts of the body, such as the breast, colon or prostate.

Every brain tumor is different, and so are the symptoms and treatments. Brain tumors can develop slowly over a long period or develop suddenly. A tumor builds pressure inside the skull when it grows into brain tissue, which can cause symptoms such as:

• Balance problems
• Blurred vision
• Drowsiness or coma
• Headache
• Nausea
• Personality or behavior changes
• Seizures
• Vomiting

Your cancer team will consider the unique nature of your condition to determine the best treatment plan. Potential treatments may include surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and clinical trials.

Our cancer care program offers comprehensive treatment for breast cancer, including breast reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy. We empower you to take control of your health through preventive screenings, available at multiple locations throughout the region. Our supportive staff is here to help guide your care if we find any abnormalities.

According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the leading cause of death from any cancer for both women and men in the U.S. Our cancer care team understands this and strives to provide support and education for you and your family if lung cancer is found. We want the diagnosis and treatment process to be efficient and thorough, so we facilitate timely evaluation and screening, serving as liaisons between your primary care physician and our cancer team.

Lung cancer symptoms

It's important to be aware of the symptoms of lung cancer so you can identify them and talk them over with your doctor.

Symptoms can include:

• Coughing up blood
• Fatigue
• Frequent coughing
• General pain
• Hoarseness
• Loss of appetite
• Pain in the chest, shoulder or upper back
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling of the face or neck
• Weight loss
• Wheezing

Low-dose computerized tomography (LDCT) screening

Early screening can make a sizable difference in successfully treating cancer. We provide lung cancer screenings with LDCT technology at South Strand Medical Center and Carolina Forest Imaging Center. Talk with your primary care physician to see if you qualify for LDCT screening.

The prostate is a male reproductive gland. Located below the bladder and in front of the rectum, it produces a fluid typically found in semen. Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland and may spread to surrounding structures.

While most men with prostate cancer have no symptoms, physicians can find prostate cancer using a blood test called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and a digital rectal exam (DRE). With greater awareness, prostate cancer detection is on the rise, and mortality is declining. Better methods may allow you to return to active and productive lives after treatment.

Prostate cancer treatment options

Your treatment options for prostate cancer will depend on several factors, including the stage of the disease and your age, health and personal preference. Treatments may include conservative management (close observation and symptom treatment), cryosurgery and prostatectomy.

We help support ongoing research by providing you with information about clinical trials offered through the American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society provides a free, confidential program to help you, your family and healthcare workers find cancer clinical trials. This includes research studies testing new drugs or methods to prevent, detect or treat cancer.