Oncology & Hematology
Treating Blood Conditions & Cancer with Compassionate Care Close to Home
Wabash General Hospital is dedicated to delivering the most advanced, highest-quality oncology and hematology treatment. Our commitment to maintaining a compassionate, responsive, patient-centered practice includes caring for the whole patient rather than just treating their condition. In addition to ensuring a level of excellence and integrity, Wabash General Oncology & Hematology offers a very relaxed, friendly environment with a comfortable infusion area equipped with recliners, individual televisions, snacks, and meals.
Cancers Treated
Bladder
Bladder cancer forms in tissues of the bladder, which is the organ that stores urine. Most bladder cancers are transitional cell carcinomas, meaning they begin in cells that normally make up the inner lining of the bladder. Other types of bladder cancer include squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that begins in thin, flat cells) and adenocarcinoma (cancer that begins in the cells that make and release mucus and other fluids). The cells that form squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma develop in the inner lining of the bladder as a result of chronic irritation and inflammation.
Breast
Breast cancer begins in the breast tissue. It can be detected earlier through routine mammogram tests, which are digital imaging scans of the breast that can detect tumors and breast cancer in its earliest stages when it is most treatable. If your doctor suspects you may have breast cancer, they may recommend removing the tumor via lumpectomy or mastectomy to test it for cancer cells. If you test positive, our team will take steps to destroy surrounding cancer cells with IV chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
Colorectal
Colorectal cancer develops in the colon, which is the longest part of the large intestine, and/or the rectum, which is the last few inches of the large intestine before the anus.
Gynecological (Cervical, Endometrial, Fallopian Tube, Ovarian)
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that forms in tissues of the cervix, the organ connecting the uterus and vagina. It is usually a slow-growing cancer that may not have symptoms but can be found with regular Pap tests (a procedure in which cells are scraped from the cervix and looked at under a microscope). Cervical cancer is almost always caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, also known as genital warts. Endometrial cancer is a type of uterine cancer that starts in the lining of the uterus (endometrium). Fallopian tube cancer is rare, but usually forms in the cells that line the inside of the fallopian tubes. There are many types of ovarian cancer, but the most common starts in the epithelium tissue which is the lining on the outside of the ovary.
Head and Neck
Head and neck cancer is a broad category. It includes all cancers arising in the head or neck region, namely, the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, salivary glands, throat, or larynx (voice box).
Kidney/Renal
Kidney (renal) cancer forms in tissues of the kidneys. The most common type of kidney cancer in adults is renal cell carcinoma. It forms in the lining of very small tubes in the kidney that filter the blood and remove waste products. Transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis is kidney cancer that forms in the center of the kidney where urine collects.
Leukemia
Leukemia starts in blood-forming tissue, such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the bloodstream. Different types of leukemia include CLL, CML and AML.
Liver
Primary liver cancer is cancer that forms in the tissues of the liver, whereas secondary liver cancer is cancer that spreads to the liver from another part of the body.
Lung
Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death, not only in the United States, but also around the world. It is not always associated with smoking, as many who get the disease never smoked in their lives. However, smokers often contract lung disease, and quitting immediately helps mitigate the risk. Lung cancer is responsible for an estimated 160,000 deaths annually across the nation.
Lymphoma
Cancer that begins in cells of the immune system is called lymphoma. There are two basic categories of lymphomas: one kind is Hodgkin lymphoma, which is marked by the presence of a type of cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell; the other category is non-Hodgkin lymphomas, which includes a large, diverse group of cancers of immune system cells. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas can be further divided into cancers that have a slow-growing course and those that have a fast-growing, aggressive course. These subtypes behave and respond to treatment differently. Both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas can occur in children and adults, and prognosis and treatment depend on the stage and the type of cancer.
Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that begins in plasma cells, which are white blood cells that produce antibodies to fight off infection and disease. It is also called Kahler disease, myelomatosis, and plasma cell myeloma.
Pancreatic
Pancreatic cancer begins with malignant cells found in the tissues of the pancreas. It is also called exocrine cancer.
Skin
Skin cancer forms in the tissues of the skin and is the most common type of cancer. There are several types of skin cancer. Skin cancer that forms in melanocytes (skin cells that make pigment) is called melanoma, and skin cancer that forms in the lower part of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) is called basal cell carcinoma. Skin cancer that forms in squamous cells (flat cells that form the surface of the skin) is called squamous cell carcinoma. Skin cancer that forms in neuroendocrine cells (cells that release hormones in response to signals from the nervous system) is called neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin.
Most skin cancers form in older people on parts of the body exposed to the sun or in people who have weakened immune systems; however, skin cancer – particularly melanoma – is the leading cause of cancer death in young adults.
Cancer Treatment Options
Medical Oncology
Our medical oncologist at Wabash General Hospital has special training and experience in diagnosing and treating cancer using chemotherapy, hormone therapy, biological therapy, and targeted therapy. The medical oncologist also provides supportive care and coordinates treatment plans with other cancer specialists on the patient’s care team.
Chemotherapy and other infusion services
“Chemo” is the gold standard treatment for cancer. It involves cancer-killing drugs that attack fast-dividing cells. It may be used to treat cancer, shrink cancer tumors, prevent cancer from spreading, or help relieve symptoms caused by the cancer. Our oncology/hematology providers, pharmacists, and oncology nurses are highly-skilled in infusion drug administration and work to make sure you receive the best care possible in a comfortable environment.
Our infusion center also provides infusion services such as iron infusions, blood transfusions, GI, and rheumatoid/autoimmune therapies.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that relies on the body's immune system. Using substances made by the body or in a lab to help the immune system work harder or in a more targeted way to fight cancer, this therapy helps your body rid itself of cancer cells.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy is a form of systemic therapy that works to add, block, or remove hormones from the body to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. In some cases, hormone therapy is used in combination with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
Hematology Conditions
Anemia
Anemia is a condition that develops when you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry enough oxygen to your body's tissues. There are many forms of anemia, and each form has its own cause. Anemia can be a short-term or long-term condition with mild to severe symptoms.
Bleeding/Clotting Disorders
Bleeding disorders are conditions that results when the blood fails to form a proper blood clot. The clotting factors or platelets in the blood don’t function normally or exist in short supply. When the blood does not clot properly, sometimes excessive, persistent bleeding occurs. The most common bleeding disorders include Hemophilia A and B, Factor II, V, VII, X or XII deficiencies, and Von Willebrand’s disease. If blood tends to clot too much, it is referred to as hypercoagulable state or thrombophilia. People with hypercoagulable status have an increased risk for blood clots.
Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia is a condition caused by a low platelet count in the blood. Since platelets help your blood clot, a low platelet count can cause spontaneous bleeding in gums, eyes, the bladder, or after an injury. It can range from mild to severe.
Neutropenia
Neutropenia occurs when there are too few neutrophils, a type of white blood cells, in your body. White blood cells help your body fight infections, but neutrophils specifically fight certain infections caused by bacteria. Neutropenia can cause a person to be more vulnerable to infections.
Polycythemia Vera
Polycythemia vera is a rare type of blood cancer where your body produces too many red blood cells. Since red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout your body, too many red blood cells cause your blood to thicken and flow more slowly. Life-threatening complications can occur with polycythemia vera because blood that flows more slowly reduces the amount of oxygen to your brain, heart, and other vital organs.
Essential Thrombocytosis
Essential thrombocythemia is a disorder in which your body produces too many blood platelets. Having too many blood platelets can increase your risk of blood clots. The condition can cause you to feel frequently tired and lightheaded, plus, you might experience headaches and vision changes.
To reach our Oncology & Hematology Department at Wabash General Hospital, please call (618) 263-3700 today.
