Radiation Therapy At the Cowell Family Cancer Center in Traverse City, we use the most recent advances in radiation therapy equipment and techniques to deliver quality patient care. We provide the following services: Brachytherapy Both permanent (seed implants) and temporary (high dose rate-HDR) are available. Internal radiation therapy uses radioactive sources to treat gynecological, prostate, and other cancers. This treatment is by itself or in combination with External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT). CT Simulation This is the first step in the radiation process. It allows the radiation

Our Heart Program Partners Adult Congenital Heart Program Clinic Michigan Medicine Congenital Cardiology has held pediatric clinics in Traverse City since 1978. The Adult Congenital Heart Program joined this outreach in 2013. With advances in surgery and medicine, the number of adults living with a congenital heart condition now exceeds the number of children with such a condition. A Michigan Medicine pediatric cardiologist sees adult patients every 3 - 4 months at Munson Medical Center. Adult patients also are seen as needed in Ann Arbor, usually within two weeks. Any heart condition that was

Surgical Services Gynecologic Surgery Your physician may recommend surgery if you have been diagnosed with endometrial (uterine), cervical or ovarian cancer. Gynecologic surgery is performed using either traditional open surgery, minimally invasive surgery, or robotic surgery. If your physician recommends a hysterectomy, you may be a candidate for a new minimally invasive surgical procedure called da Vinci Hysterectomy. A full range of gynecologic oncology care is available at Munson Medical Center including: Minimally invasive surgical treatment Chemotherapy: administration of chemotherapy

Heart Conditions We Treat Early detection of heart and vascular conditions increases your chances of a healthy outcome. Munson Healthcare heart specialists use the latest diagnostic technology, therapies and surgical procedures to ensure faster recoveries and a higher quality of life. See the conditions below to learn more about treatment for these cardiovascular conditions: Angina Pectoris Angina pectoris is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when part of your heart muscle isn’t getting enough oxygen-rich blood. Angina isn’t a disease – it is a symptom of an underlying heart problem, most

Angina Pectoris What is Angina Pectoris? Angina pectoris is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when part of your heart muscle isn’t getting enough oxygen-rich blood. Angina isn’t a disease – it is a symptom of an underlying heart problem, most often coronary artery disease. Angina is very common with more than 3 million cases in the United States each year. What are the symptoms of angina pectoris? Angina feels like squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness, or pain in the chest. It can be sudden or it can happen repeatedly over time. When should I seek treatment? You should see a medical

Aortic Stenosis What is aortic stenosis? Aortic stenosis is the most common heart valve problem in the United States. The aorta is the main artery that carries blood out of the heart. Aortic stenosis occurs when the aortic valve does not fully open, causing it to narrow and decrease blood flow out of the heart. Your heart must work harder to push blood through the aortic valve to your body. Eventually your heart gets weaker, increasing the risk of heart failure. Severe aortic stenosis is a very serious problem and prevents enough blood from reaching the brain and the rest of the body. Aortic

High Blood Pressure High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a very common, often misunderstood, disease. It is sometimes called “the silent killer” because it typically has no symptoms, but it can have deadly health consequences if not treated. There is no cure, but it is manageable with lifestyle changes and medication, if needed. About 80 million U.S. adults have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. You don’t need to be “hyper” or “tense” to have high blood pressure – even calm, relaxed people can have high blood pressure. What is blood pressure? Every organ in your body needs oxygen to

Nationally Recognized, Regionally Proven Heart Care When it comes to your heart, only the best care will do. The Munson Healthcare heart team has provided advanced heart care longer than any other team in northern Michigan. We do more heart procedures than anyone else – and our experience improves yours. Blue Cross Blue Shield designated Munson Medical Center a Blue Distinction® Center+ for demonstrating expertise in delivering safe and effective cardiac care, focusing on cardiac valve surgery, coronary artery bypass graft, and percutaneous coronary interventions. (Learn more about Blue

Heart Services and Specialties Munson Healthcare’s talented cardiology team is the region’s leader in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. We specialize in noninvasive and invasive cardiology, interventional cardiology and clinical cardiac electrophysiology. See below to learn more about our services and specialties. Cardiac Rehab Your cardiologist may recommend Cardiac Rehabilitation to help you return to the highest level of activity and independence possible. Cardiac Rehab is tailored to meet each individual’s needs. Active involvement by you and your family is

Stress Echocardiogram What is a stress echocardiogram? A stress echo examines your heart in action. It combines an ultrasound of the heart with a stress test. A stress test, often called a treadmill test, measures how your heart works when experiencing the added workload or “stress” of exercise. How should I prepare for a stress echo? You should not eat or drink anything but water for 3 - 4 hours prior to the test. Patients on beta-blockers (a treatment for hypertension and coronary artery disease) are asked to not take their medication the day of the procedure. Beta-blockers often diminish