Advanced Technology in Cancer Care

Cancer patients in northern Michigan have close-to-home access to the latest treatment protocols and technology in the hands of the most accomplished and compassionate physicians and staff. 

Advanced Breast Imaging: 3D Tomography

Specialized 3D tomosynthesis mammography is used for high-risk patients or patients with other specific breast conditions. Benefits of 3D breast imaging include:

• Clearer images of abnormalities within dense breast tissue
• Earlier detection of small breast cancers that may be hidden on a conventional mammogram
• Fewer "false alarms" resulting in unnecessary biopsies or additional tests
• Greater likelihood of detecting multiple breast tumors
• More accuracy in pinpointing size, shape, and location of breast abnormalities.

This imaging service is available at Grayling Hospital, Manistee Hospital and the Smith Family Breast Health Center in Traverse City. 

High-Dose Radiation Brachytherapy

At the brachytherapy suite in Traverse City, radioactive seeds are placed in or near the tumor, giving a high radiation dose to the tumor while reducing the radiation exposure in the surrounding healthy tissues. Brachytherapy is a treatment option for prostate cancer, gynecologic cancers, and others.

da Vinci® Robotic Surgery

Available at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, this advanced surgical technology decreases time in the hospital, decreases the amount of blood loss, and improves recovery time. Urologic and gynecologic surgeries are typically performed using the robot. 

Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Stereotactic Radiosurgery allows treatment options for inoperable tumors. Our TrueBeam STx device delivers precise radiation beams targeting the cancer with a high dose of radiation while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding tissue. This treatment is available at the Cowell Family Cancer Center in Traverse City under the direct supervision of our radiation oncologists and sometimes a neurosurgeon, depending on the tumor location.

Targeted Drug Therapies

Some new drugs can interfere with the development of cancer at the molecular level. For certain types of cancer, laboratory tests on tumor cells can help to determine which drugs are likely to be more effective against the cancer. These therapies specifically target tumor cells and typically spare more healthy cells, which can reduce treatment side effects. Targeted drug therapies are typically available at all of our infusion locations, unless they are part of a clinical trial.

Y-90 Radioembolization

A combination of radiation therapy and a procedure called embolization is used to treat cancer of the liver. Tiny beads called microspheres are placed inside the blood vessels that feed a tumor in order to block the supply of blood to the cancer cells. When the beads become lodged at the tumor site, they deliver a high dose of radiation to the tumor, but not the normal tissue. The procedure is an option for patients who are not able to have surgery or a liver transplant. The aim of this treatment is not to provide a cure, but instead slow tumor growth and relieve symptoms. This treatment is available at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City and is delivered by our interventional radiologists.