Covenant Health is home to more imaging centers, more board certified physicians and surgeons, and more cancer and radiation centers near you. We provide the most advanced cancer treatment available in our region, like Gamma Knife technology that targets tumors in a single treatment. Personalized programs like clinical trials, genetic counseling, patient education, and dietary health. And backed by your personal nurse navigator and social worker support to guide you every step of the way.
Thompson Cancer Survival Center
Thompson Cancer Survival Center was born from the vision of B. Ray Thompson, who believed residents of our area deserve world-class cancer care, right here in Knoxville. And since 1989, Thompson Cancer Survival Center has provided hope and care to patients and their families fighting cancer by bringing cancer “firsts”, like innovative treatments and clinical trials, to our region.
Cancer Physicians
When you’re facing a cancer diagnosis, you want the best physicians on your team. Most cancer patients will be treated by a team of oncologists (physicians who specialize in the treatment of cancer), who each play an important and unique role in your treatment.
- Medical Oncologists: diagnose and treat cancer, often with chemotherapy
- Gynecological Oncologists: diagnose and treat reproductive organ cancers
- Radiation Oncologists: treat a wide variety of cancers using radiation technology
- Surgical Oncologists: specialize in surgery to diagnose, stage and treat cancer, and manage certain cancer-related symptoms
Thompson Oncology Group is Covenant Health’s oncology physician practice. All Thompson Oncology Group practices are accredited by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, a certification which reflects our commitment to excellence and ongoing quality improvement. Learn more about Thompson Oncology Group.
Learn learn more about our oncologists, view physician profiles, and get contact information. If you need an oncologist, call our physician referral line (865) 541-4500 or click here for our online physician directory.
Cancer Center Locations
Covenant Health has six cancer centers throughout our region. See our complete list of locations and contact information.
Cancer Services
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy has been used for many years and is one of the most common treatments for cancer. Learn learn more about what chemotherapy is, different types of chemotherapy medications, possible side effects, and our chemotherapy infusion locations. Our chemotherapy services are hospital-based and provided by different departments of Covenant Health hospitals.
Radiation Oncology
Radiation therapy uses technology to target tumors without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue. Our radiation therapy services are hospital-based and provided by different departments of Covenant Health hospitals. View our radiation therapy locations and technology.
Gamma Knife
Gamma Knife is a non-invasive, stereotactic radiosurgery tool to treat head and neck cancers. It is an alternative to traditional surgery and is the newest technology to treat brain disease – including conditions previously considered inoperable. We are one of only two centers in Tennessee to use Gamma Knife, and the only center east of Memphis with Gamma Knife technology. Learn more.
Breast Cancer Screenings
Covenant Health breast centers and Thompson Comprehensive Breast Center offer mammography and other services to diagnose breast cancer, such as core biopsy and breast ultrasound. Some of our imaging centers also offer tomosynthesis – also known as 3-D mammography – that allows smaller cancers to be detected earlier – even in women with dense breast tissue. Find the closest breast center near you.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies that help healthcare providers discover the next breakthrough cancer treatment. Each study tries to answer scientific questions and to find better ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat cancer. Thompson Cancer Survival Center conducts various trials for different cancers. Learn more learn about the clinical trials we are currently offering.
Genetics Counseling
Thompson Cancer Survival Center’s genetic counseling department will perform an extensive review your personal and family medical history to determine your possibility of contracting certain types of cancer. To learn more, visit our genetics counseling page.
Treatment for Barrett’s Esophagus
The Center of Excellence for Barrett’s Esophagus at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center successfully treats Barrett’s patients throughout the country and abroad every year. And, the center serves as a training center for other medical professionals hoping to advance their knowledge and understanding of how to treat Barrett’s esophagus. Learn more about Barrett’s Esophagus and our treatment methods.
Cancer Support Services
Patient Navigation
A patient navigator is a specially trained nurse who walks with you every step of your cancer journey. Navigators help you understand tests, procedures, and treatment options, and serve as a liaison between you and your doctor. Meet our patient navigators and learn more about our program.
Counseling
A cancer diagnoses takes a physical, financial, and emotional toll on you, which is why Thompson offers free counseling services to patients during treatment. Learn more about our services.
Lodging and Accommodations
To help ease the burden of patients and families traveling to the Knoxville area for long-term treatment, Covenant Health offers two lodging options: the Fellowship Center at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville and Methodist Medical Center’s Hospitality Houses in Oak Ridge.