Hematology & Medical Oncology at Mission Heritage Medical Group

Our board-certified hematologists and medical oncologists work with Mission Hospital's new state-of-the-art Leonard Cancer Institute. The four-story Leonard Cancer Institute will aim to provide patients direct access to cutting edge treatments and preventative services. Our physicians and staff will provide the highest quality care motivated by compassion for South Orange County residents. From imaging and treatment to surgery options, our new comprehensive program is able to offer patients advanced cancer care right here in our South Orange County community.

At Mission Heritage Medical Group, we keep the patient at the center of every decision we make. This why our hematology and medical oncology specialists take a team approach to care, using the most advanced imaging and diagnostic equipment and techniques available, and employing new treatments to provide the best, individualized health care for each patient.

Procedures Performed

Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is a form of radiation therapy that seeks to treat certain cancers in a targeted way, while also reducing side effects. In this procedure, radioactive seeds are placed in the body at or near the tumor itself, giving it a high dose of radiation while reducing exposure in surrounding healthy tissues.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging, or sonography, is a noninvasive way of taking pictures inside of the body using sound waves. Ultrasound is safe and painless, showing internal organs and blood vessels in real time; this helps your doctor to diagnose and treat medical conditions.

IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy)

With IMRT, an advanced mode of radiotherapy, computer-controlled linear accelerators are modulated to more precisely deliver specific radiation doses to a tumor. IMRT utilizes CT and MRI imagery to conform more exactly to the 3-D shape of the tumor, while avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure to healthy tissues.

High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy

High-dose rate brachytherapy refers to a procedure where catheters are used to deliver a radioactive source directly into a tumor, offering a more intensive, faster form treatment for certain cancers.

Linear Accelerator

A linear accelerator is the device most commonly used for cancer radiation treatments. The linear accelerator actually customizes high-energy X-rays to conform to the shape of a patient's tumor, which helps to minimize exposure to surrounding tissues.

Mammography

Mammography is the most common type of breast imaging currently in use. A mammogram test is a critical part of early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is a test that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to take pictures inside the body. Often, an MRI can provide information about structures and conditions that can’t be seen using X-ray, ultrasound or CT scans.

PET/CT

Positron emission tomography, or a PET scan, is a form of imaging that uses small amounts of radioactive materials to help diagnose various medical conditions. By pinpointing changes at the cellular level, PET scans can detect cancers, heart disease and other abnormalities before they show up on other tests.

Chemotherapy and other systemic therapies

Chemotherapy refers to the use of medications to treat cancer. Chemotherapy works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells, which multiply quickly. In addition to chemotherapy we also offer biologic agents, targeted therapies and immunotherapies.

CT Scan

A CT Scan is a combination of X-rays taken at different angles, allowing for more detailed cross-section views of internal tissues, bones and blood vessels. These high-resolution images can help doctors find small defects, like tumors, that are not picked up by a plain X-ray.

Physical Rehabilitation

St. Joseph Heritage offers physical rehabilitation, which is a very important part of your cancer follow-up and maintenance plan. Your doctor will work with you to assess the types and frequency of rehab that will ensure the best possible post-procedure physical mobility and function.

Prostate Seed Implant

A prostate seed implant, or prostate brachytherapy, is a form of radiation treatment for prostate cancer that involves placement of a radioactive “seed” in the patient. Many prefer this targeted option over conventional recurring radiation treatments, and it has been found to be very effective.

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

A stereotactic breast biopsy is a procedure where your doctor will remove a small piece of tissue that looks abnormal, such as a suspicious mass or structural distortions, on a patient’s mammogram or ultrasound.

Lymphedema Treatment

When lymph nodes are removed or damaged as a result of cancer treatment, lymphedema (swelling of arms or legs) can occur. While lymphedema is incurable, it can be managed with early diagnosis and lymphedema treatment, guided by your doctor.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine refers to the branch of medical imaging that utilizes radioactive substances to diagnose and treat a variety of diseases, including cancers, heart disease and endocrine disorders. These radioactive materials can be injected into the bloodstream, inhaled or swallowed, and have proven valuable in identifying disease in its earliest stages.

Additional Resources

Outpatient Laboratory

Our laboratories play a crucial role in our delivery of quality patient care. The outpatient laboratories operated by St. Joseph Health Medical Group can process many of the medical tests ordered by your doctor on-site, so you and your doctor can get the results quickly and make decisions regarding diagnosis and treatment.

Support Services & Information

  • Nurse Navigators
  • Case Management
  • Oncology-dedicated social worker
  • Dedicated oncology dietitian
  • Financial counseling
  • Cancer Registry
  • Community Resource Centers
  • Palliative Care
  • Spiritual Health Services
  • St. Joseph Home Care
  • Radiation Oncology
  • Radiology Information - Patient Education
  • Support Group

Patient Education

A diagnosis of cancer can leave you with a multitude of questions about your condition and treatment options. For additional resources and information, we recommend these websites:

Our Providers

Our Locations

Mission Viejo - Hematology and Oncology

Mission Viejo - Hematology and Oncology

Address
27799 Medical Center Rd.
Suite 460
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
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