Cancer Center Houston TX | Cancer Treatment Houston Texas | Minimally Invasive Surgeons of Texas (MIST)

Screening and Treatment for Cancer

Cancer screening is looking for cancer before a person has any symptoms. Screening tests can help find cancer at an early stage, before symptoms appear. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat or cure. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer may have grown and spread. This can make the cancer harder to treat or cure.

It is important to remember that when your doctor suggests a screening test, it does not always mean he or she thinks you have cancer. Screening tests are done when you have no cancer symptoms. There are different kinds of screening tests.

Screening tests include the following:
•   Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient’s health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.
•   Laboratory tests: Medical procedures that test samples of tissue, blood, urine, or other substances in the body.
•   Imaging procedures: Procedures that make pictures of areas inside the body.
•   Genetic tests: Tests that look for certain gene mutations (changes) that are linked to some types of cancer.

Cancer-related check-up
For people aged 20 or older having periodic health exams, a cancer-related check-up should include health counseling and, depending on a person’s age and gender, exams for cancers of the thyroid, oral cavity, skin, lymph nodes, testes, and ovaries, as well as for some non-malignant (non-cancerous) diseases.

Take control of your health and reduce your cancer risk.
•   Stay away from tobacco.
•   Stay at a healthy weight.
•   Get moving with regular physical activity.
•   Eat healthy with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
•   Limit how much alcohol you drink (if you drink at all).
•   Protect your skin.
•   Know yourself, your family history, and your risks.
•   Have regular check-ups and cancer screening tests.

*Information from the National Cancer Society and American Cancer Society

What our patients are saying:

I am so happy with my decision to go to the Minimally Invasive Surgeons of Texas at the UT Specialty Surgery Center. My surgeon and his team helped me to really understand everything that was happening each step of the way. As promised, my recovery was speedy and I was back to my regular self sooner than I expected. The front office staff and nurses are A+. My surgical result was excellent and the whole experience could not have been any better.
-Don M., patient

“ I use to wake up choking and gasping for air 2-3 times a week. Thanks to the Minimally Invasive Surgeons of Texas I can now say that I am not only medication free but I am sleeping peacefully. The whole staff was great and so caring. They answered all of my questions and helped explain everything before my procedure.”
-Linda A., patient

“The physicians and staff at UT MIST were all so caring and professional. They made me feel at ease about my surgery and have helped me thru each step of it.”
-D. Treibel, patient