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

Arrhythmia Arrhythmia simply means that your heartbeat is irregular and out of its normal rhythm. This can happen when electrical impulses in your heart don’t work properly. It may happen even if your heart is otherwise healthy. Most arrhythmias are harmless, but some can be serious or even life threatening. What are the symptoms of an arrhythmia? You may not have any symptoms. Or, you may feel a fluttering in the chest, chest pain, fainting, or dizziness. Is my heart beating too fast or too slow? There are two kinds of arrhythmia. If your heartbeat is too fast, more than 100 beats per minute

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

Peripheral Artery Disease Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) happens when narrowed blood vessels reduce blood flow to your limbs. Peripheral artery disease (PAD), also known as peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is caused by plaque buildup in the arteries (arteriosclerosis), most commonly in the arteries of the legs. Risk factors and symptoms Risk factors include aging, diabetes, obesity, and smoking. Symptoms may include leg pain, particularly when walking or climbing stairs. Other symptoms include leg numbness or weakness and coldness in your lower leg or foot, especially compared with the

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