Oncology

We work to determine a cancer diagnosis through imaging exams and lab testing. Our imaging services earned recognition from the American College of Radiology for expertise in using computerized tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, nuclear medicine, stereotactic breast biopsies and ultrasound procedures for effective cancer diagnoses. Detecting cancer early allows treatment to start sooner and, in many cases, stop the progression.

While the majority of our diagnostic lab testing is done at our hospital, if your evaluation warrants it, we may involve our freestanding imaging facility, also located on our campus. After a diagnosis is reached, we create an individualized treatment plan, which may involve infusion therapy, surgical procedures and follow-up care.

Lab testing

Diagnostic tests are just one of the many tools we use to evaluate cancer. Other tests we may perform include:

• Complete blood counts (CBC)
• Pap smears
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone tests
• Urinalysis

Image-guided screening

Our radiologists use imaging screening and image-guided procedures for cancer diagnoses. Imaging tests and procedures that we use include:

• 3D and traditional mammography
• CT scan
• Colonoscopy
• Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), or bone density scan
• Endoscopy
• Fluoroscopy
• MRI scan
• Nuclear medicine
• Stereotactic biopsy
• Ultrasound-guided biopsy
• Ultrasound imaging
• X-ray

Lung cancer screening

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers, and those who smoke cigarettes have an increased risk of developing it. The cancer starts as a growth of abnormal cells, and grows to form a tumor, interfering with lung function. Lung cancer is typically treated through surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Who qualifies for a lung cancer screening?

Lung cancer screenings should typically begin when there are still no prominent symptoms. Doctors recommend earlier screenings to find lung nodules when they are more treatable. You should talk to your doctor about screening for lung cancer if you:

• Are between 50 to 80 years old
• Have a 20-pack-year or more smoking history
• Smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years

What happens during a screening?

A low-dose CT scan or LDCT, is the only recommended screening test for lung cancer. During a low-dose CT scan, you lie on a table, and an X-ray machine uses a low dose of radiation to make detailed images of your lungs. The scan only takes a few minutes and is not painful. If a lung nodule is found during screening, you will meet with your doctor to discuss the best course of action.

Robot-assisted bronchoscopy

This type of screening aids in the diagnosis of small, hard-to-reach lung nodules. It provides advanced precision and control from robotic technology in one minimally invasive procedure. For nodules deep in the lung, robot-assisted bronchoscopy helps physicians diagnose small, hard-to-reach areas. Please call (907) 205-8320 to learn more about the bronchoscopy services we offer.

The Commission on Cancer recognizes our programs for their focus on prevention, early diagnosis, pretreatment evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, surveillance for recurrent disease, support services and end-of-life care.

Our oncologists can specialize in one or all of the three fields of oncology: medical, surgical and radiation. In addition to our screening and imaging services, we also have a dedicated infusion therapy center, as well as a variety of surgical options.

Infusion therapy center

Infusion therapy is the process of delivering medication through any part of the body, typically by injection. The treatment may be an alternative to the expense and inconvenience of inpatient hospitalization, though treatment will ultimately depend on your health, cancer type and stage of cancer.

Surgery

Our surgical options include traditional surgery and minimally invasive procedures. Our hospital has offered leading-edge robotic surgery since 2005, and was one of the first hospitals in Alaska to offer this service. The potential benefits of robot-assisted surgeries include:

• Less pain
• Less scarring
• Shorter hospital stays
• Shorter recovery time

Our surgery options include:

• Laparoscopic surgeries — These minimally invasive, image-guided procedures use a long, slender tube with a camera and surgical instruments attached. During the procedure, your surgeon will insert the tube into your body using several small incisions.
• Robot-assisted surgeries — Surgeons use a console with enhanced imaging to guide robotic arms to complete your procedure. The robotic arms increase precision and range of motion which, at times, is greater than the human hand.
• Traditional surgeries — These procedures involve surgeons making one large incision.