Cancer Care Services

Chemotherapy has been used for many years and is one of the most common treatments for cancer. Our chemotherapy services are hospital-based and provided by different departments of Covenant Health hospitals.

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.

Proton therapy is a trusted form of radiation therapy capable of precisely targeting tumors while significantly sparing healthy tissue and decreasing the risk of side effects. Thompson Proton Center offers patients one of the world’s most advanced forms of radiation therapy for cancer treatment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A cancer diagnoses takes a physical, financial, and emotional toll on you, which is why Thompson offers free counseling services to patients during treatment.

To help ease the burden of patients and families traveling to the Knoxville area for long-term treatment, Covenant Health offers lodging at Methodist Medical Center’s Hospitality Houses in Oak Ridge.