Cancer Institute
Our Services Medical oncology
Medical oncology is therapy with medicines for the treatment of tumors; the field of medicine devoted to the study of cancer and tumors encompassing the physical chemical, and biological properties. There are three primary disciplines: medical oncology, surgical oncology, and radiation oncology. Pediatric & Adult hematology/oncology
Therapy for blood borne cancers including leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and multiple myeloma. Leukemia is cancer of the white blood cells and their parent cells. The word cancer refers to diseases in which certain cells in the body become abnormal and the body produces too many of these cells. In this case, the abnormal cells are white blood cells and their precursors. Leukemia cells do not function normally and cannot do what normal blood cells do, such as fight infections. Gastrointestinal malignancies
Gastrointestinal cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the stomach. Stomach cancer can develop in any part of the stomach and spread to other organs through tumor growth, the bloodstream, or the lymphatic system. There are five layers of tissue in the stomach. The innermost layer is called the mucosa and is where approximately 90% to 95% of stomach cancer begins. This type of tumor is called an adenocarcinoma. Less common stomach cancers include lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system sometimes found in the stomach wall; gastric stomal tumors, which are tumors of the stomach wall; and carcinoid tumors, which are tumors of the hormone-producing cells of the stomach. It is believed that stomach cancer takes several years to develop, and that many precancerous changes that rarely cause symptoms occur before stomach cancer develops. This is why most cases of stomach cancer are undetected until the later stages of the disease. The exact cause of stomach cancer is not known. There are however, several well-known risk factors that contribute to the development of stomach cancer. Stomach cancer is most often detected in the later stages. Stomach cancer is treated based on the location, size, stage and extent of disease. Treatment options for stomach cancer include surgery and radiation therapy. Gynecologic oncology
The study, diagnosis and treatment of tumors and cancers in the female reproductive system — cervical, uterine, ovarian, endometrial, or vulvar Cervical cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb) that connects the uterus with the vagina. Cancer occurs when cells in the body (in this case cervix cells) divide without control or order. Normally, cells divide in a regulated manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably when new cells are not needed, a mass of tissue forms, called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors, which can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor does not invade or spread. Vaginal cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the vagina. The vagina is a tube that connects the vulva (external female genitals) to the cervix (lower end of the uterus). The vagina is also called the “birth canal.” Cancer occurs when cells in the body (in this case vagina cells) divide without control or order. Normally, cells divide in a regulated manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably when new cells are not needed, a mass of tissue, called a growth or tumor, forms. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors, which can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor does not invade or spread. Thoracic oncology
Thoracic surgery provides comprehensive diagnosis and management of patients with lung and throat cancer Lung cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the lungs. Cancer occurs when cells in the body (in this case lung cells) divide without control or order. Normally, cells divide in a regulated manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably when new cells are not needed, a mass of tissue forms, called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors, which can invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor does not invade or spread. Lung cancers are divided into two types: - Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer – generally grows and spreads more slowly (This is the more common type of lung cancer.)
- Small Cell Lung Cancer – generally grows more quickly and is more likely to spread to other parts of the body
Throat cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the throat. The throat is the hollow tube that runs from behind the nose and mouth, down the neck, to the opening of the esophagus and windpipe. Cancer occurs when cells in the body (in this case throat cells) divide without control or order. Normally, cells divide in a regulated manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably when new cells are not needed, a mass of tissue forms, called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors, which can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor usually does not invade or spread. Pain management
Debilitating pain should not be part of a cancer diagnosis. The Geisinger Interventional Pain Management Clinic is available to accurately diagnose and treat pain in an outpatient setting when conventional treatments are not effective. Services are provided on a referral basis from a primary care provider or other treating physician, and are generally covered by insurance companies. Patients should speak with their doctor about any pain they experience. Home care services
Patients fighting cancer may require home-based services including skilled nursing, home care aids, physical therapy or social services, among others. Geisinger HomeCare provides round-the-clock care for patients in several counties. To learn more about the services provided, please call 888.634.6715 (Central PA) or 800.531.3068 (Eastern PA). Hospice
Quality of life matters, particularly for patients facing a terminal illness. For those who wish to live out their final days at home, Hospice care is available to provide comfort and pain relief measures, as well as companionship and assistance. Services are available 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week. For more information, call 1.888.634.6715 or 570.271.5598. Cosmetics
Experts agree that a patient’s outlook can play a role in their fight against cancer. So if cancer treatments leave you or someone you know feeling upset about appearance, it is important to get help. Geisinger Cancer Services can provide a referral to community vendors who offer an array of cosmetic services including wigs, scarves, prosthetics and more. And, in partnership with the American Cancer Society, we offer the Look Good, Feel Better program. The program offers a two hour, hands-on group session that includes a make-up application lesson and demonstrations of options for dealing with hair loss. The program also provides self-help kits for men or women, simply call 800.395.LOOK to obtain a kit. | 
