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Cancer Care

Specially Trained Oncologists

The Peitz Cancer Support House can be reached by calling (870) 508-CARE. You can find more information about the Peitz Cancer Support House here.

Click here for more information about the Mobile Mammography Unit.

The rehabilitation services department at Baxter Health offers extensive lymphedema-management treatments. For more information, please call (870) 508-1560.

Baxter Health is a referral center for cancer patients in a 14-county service area in northern Arkansas and southern Missouri. Baxter Health provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic cancer care. We coordinate inpatient and outpatient programs to help prevent, detect, diagnose, treat and eradicate cancer.

The medical staff at Baxter Health – surgeons, pathologists, radiologists and medical oncologists – is specially trained in the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of cancer care. The cancer program is the most comprehensive in the area, caring for patients battling many different forms of cancer.

Oncology nurses at Baxter Health are highly qualified and receive chemotherapy and oncology training and certification. A licensed cancer social worker visits newly diagnosed cancer patients and assists in discharge planning and resource coordination. In addition, a dietitian offers nutritional counseling for cancer patients, while the cancer registrar assists with cancer information.

The Baxter Health Infusion Clinic is a 13-chair facility staffed by highly trained, chemotherapy-certified registered nurses. Our oncologists have extensive experience in cancer treatment, and they are able to treat complex cases with the latest FDA-approved medications.

Chemotherapy/Immunotherapy may be used:

  • As a primary treatment to destroy cancer cells
  • Before another treatment to shrink a tumor
  • After another treatment to destroy any remaining cancer cells
  • To relieve symptoms of advanced cancer

Baxter Health Specialists also offers many additional outpatient services for non-oncology as well as oncology patients, including IV hydration, iron infusions, lab testing, advanced imaging, cancer screening services, and more. Medical Specialists staff work with the patient’s insurance to obtain coverage for procedures and aid in finding co-pay assistance for therapy when available. We also act as the cancer care coordinator for patient treatment plans. The clinic can be reached by calling (870) 425-4402.

CARTI of Mountain Home

CARTI (Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute) is a freestanding, not-for-profit healthcare organization that offers state-of-the-art radiation therapy to cancer patients in Arkansas and surrounding states.

Quality is a high priority at CARTI, which is recognized as a leader in quality cancer care. In 1989, CARTI was the first freestanding, not-for-profit radiation therapy center to ever receive accreditation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). CARTI is also accredited by the American College of Surgeons and is affiliated with the Association of Community Radiation Therapy Centers. In 1997, CARTI was awarded the Governor’s Quality Award, the highest level in the Arkansas Quality Awards. CARTI was the first healthcare organization and not-for-profit to receive the Governor’s Quality Award.

CARTI treats the patient and their family holistically through education and support services such as counseling, support groups, retreats, educational classes, free cancer screenings, community education programs and activities for both adult and pediatric patients. For more information, visit www.carti.com.

Hosting the MMU

The Mobile Mammography Unit (MMU) enables Baxter Health to provide an alternative screening method to residents of the Twin Lakes area and to increase the awareness and utilization of early-detection screenings for breast cancer and other major health risks, such as osteoporosis.

Facilities interested in hosting the MMU must:

  • Provide their own personnel to schedule patients. A patient list must be faxed to Baxter Health three days prior to the scheduled visit.
  • Provide an adequate, level space to park the MMU.
  • Provide adequate parking for patients.
  • Provide restroom facilities for patients and MMU staff.
  • Provide detailed directions to the facility, including where to park the MMU.

Using Physical Therapy to Treat Lymphedema

Lymphedema is the swelling of a body part – most often an extremity – caused by an abnormal accumulation of protein-rich fluid called lymph. It can also occur in the face, neck, abdomen or genitals. Lymphedema often develops when lymphatic vessels are missing or impaired (primary), when lymph vessels are damaged or when lymph nodes are removed (secondary). Lymphedema is most commonly associated with cancer patients – especially those treated with radiation therapy.

What causes lymphedema?

Primary lymphedema is the result of developmental abnormalities. It may be present at birth or develop at the onset of puberty or adulthood due to unknown causes.

Secondary lymphedema can develop as a result of surgery, radiation, infection or trauma. It is usually caused by cancer therapies, which involve lymph node removal and/or other extensive surgical procedures.

Lymphangitis is an infection that causes inflammation of lymphatic vessels, which can lead to an interruption in normal lymphatic pathway function.

Treatment options for lymphedema include:

  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle massage technique designed to increase the movement of lymph and interstitial fluid. It is especially advantageous for surgery and radiation therapy patients.
  • Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is a combination of MLD, bandaging of the affected areas, skin and nail care, and remedial exercises.
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