VCU Massey Cancer Center

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VCU Massey Cancer Center

401 College Street, P.O. Box 980037
Richmond, Virginia 23298-0037

Phone: (804) 828-0450 Fax: (804) 828-8453

Types of cancer

At the VCU Massey Cancer Center, we treat all kinds of cancers. Our researchers and clinicians work together to offer you the latest in cancer treatments and prevention. We invite you to learn about specific types of cancer by searching alphabetically (via the following menu) or by scrolling down the page.

Leukemias (Adult)

* What is leukemia?
* Acute lymphocytic
* Chronic lymphocytic
* Acute myelogenous
* Chronic myelogenous
* Symptoms
* Diagnosis
* Treatment

Leukemias (Pediatric)

* What is leukemia?
* Causes and risks
* Diagnosis and symptoms
* Signs and symptoms
* Treatment
* Long-term outlook

Treatments and teams
What kinds of specialists treat people with cancer?

Your cancer treatment may involve several types of health care professionals who, with you, form the cancer care team. At the VCU Massey Cancer Center, our hallmark approach to patient care is with multi-disciplinary teams. Each week, specialists who treat various cancers meet to review each patient’s case. Together they map out a treatment plan that is best for you, and they coordinate closely to make your care and treatment as seamless as possible.

By having all of these specialists under one roof at Massey, you will not have to drive around town for various specialties in oncology, radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, rehabilitation or other services. Our teams will see to it that you get all the support you need.

The multi-disciplinary cancer team may include, but is not limited to, the following members:

* Surgeon – once you have been diagnosed, you may see a surgeon who, in turn, may refer you to an oncologist, a physician with specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
* Oncologist – oncologists may be known as medical oncologists or radiation oncologists. Your oncologist will work with you to create a treatment plan. He or she usually acts as the coordinator of your cancer care.
* Radiation oncologist – a doctor who specializes in using radiation to treat cancer. At Massey, we have one of the most advanced radiation treatment centers in the world. The Trilogy Image-Guided Treatment Center provides patients with a unique combination of technologies that make radiation treatments safer and more effective, as well as more comfortable.
* Oncology nurse practitioners – advanced-practice nurses who are specially educated in caring for cancer patients. They practice with the oncologists and diagnose and treat the symptoms of cancer and cancer treatment side effects. They play a key role in guiding cancer patients through their cancer journey.
* Oncology nurses – oncology nurses have specialized training in cancer and caring for patients during treatment. They will help carry out the treatment plan your oncologist creates and will help to guide you through treatment by giving cancer medications, checking your progress and answering your questions about treatment. If you are undergoing chemotherapy, oncology nurses will monitor any side effects you may experience.
* Genetic counselors – these health professionals are trained to help families understand genetic disorders and the risk of inherited cancer susceptibility. At Massey, our counselors provide patients with individualized cancer risk assessments based on medical and family history, along with detailed discussion of options for genetic testing and recommendations for preventive screening and treatments.
* Social workers – social workers may provide counsel to you and your family, help you understand your diagnosis and treatment, and assist you in finding support groups or other cancer-related services.
* Psychiatrists and psychologists – psychiatrists and psychologists are specialists that can help if you have problems with depression or mental health. Cancer can be difficult for anyone to cope with, so make sure to seek help if necessary. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications such as antidepressants. Both specialists can help patients with counseling and other depression treatment methods.
* Rehabilitation specialists – people with cancer sometimes need help recovering after treatment. Physical therapists, speech therapists, respiratory therapists, occupational therapists and others can be helpful to many patients, depending on the type of cancer and treatment.
* Dietitians – cancer and cancer treatment can make eating difficult. Some people lose weight or have trouble eating foods that provide the right energy. Registered dietitians help people maintain healthy eating habits during cancer treatment.
* Home health aides – home health aides specialize in helping patients manage tasks at home during treatment, and may help with everyday chores, such as cooking food or cleaning.

Other important specialists that may be involved in the treatment process include the following:

* Hematologists – physicians who specializes in the functions and disorders of blood.
* Pathologists – physicians who specializes in diagnosis and classification of diseases by laboratory tests.
* Radiologists – physicians who specializes in diagnoses and classification of diseases by imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and MRIs.
* Lab technicians, radiation technicians and pharmacists.

© 2006 Virginia Commonwealth University