Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome and thank you for selecting TMC Health Cancer Center for your health care needs. If you have any questions not covered here or would like more information, please contact us so we can help.
Here to help you understand
Common questions surrounding the cancer care journey.
Cancer is a disease where cells grow abnormally and uncontrollably. These cells can start almost anywhere in the body and may spread to other parts through the blood and lymph systems.
The main types of cancer include carcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma, leukemia and myeloma.
- Carcinoma – The most common type, affecting skin, lungs, breasts and colon.
- Sarcoma – Develops in bones, muscles, fat and connective tissues.
- Lymphoma – Affects the immune system’s lymph nodes and tissues.
- Leukemia – Starts in bone marrow and leads to abnormal blood cells.
- Myeloma – Affects plasma cells in the bone marrow.
Cancer happens when DNA inside cells gets damaged. Normally, the body repairs this damage, but sometimes it doesn’t. Some people inherit damaged DNA, while others develop it from environmental factors such as smoking or exposure to harmful substances.
Cancer symptoms vary, but common ones include:
- Fatigue
- A sore that won’t heal
- Constant coughing
- Pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
- Skin changes
If you have these symptoms, see a doctor.
No. Some tumors are benign (not cancerous) and do not spread. Cancerous tumors are called malignant and can spread to other areas of the body.
A risk factor increases the chance of getting a disease. Some risk factors, such as smoking, can be changed. Others, like age or family history, cannot.
Risk factors depend on the type of cancer. For example, smoking raises the risk of lung and mouth cancer.
Standard treatments include:
- Surgery – Removes the tumor.
- Radiation therapy – Uses high-energy waves to kill cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy – Uses medicine to destroy cancer cells.
- Hormone therapy – Blocks hormones that help cancer grow.
- Biologic therapy – Helps the immune system fight cancer.
Treatments may be combined for the best results. Work with your doctor to choose the right plan.
Staging shows how much cancer has spread. Doctors use the TNM system:
- T – Tumor size and if it has spread nearby.
- N – If cancer has reached lymph nodes.
- M – If cancer has spread to other organs (metastasized).
Clinical trials test new treatments and determine if they provide better results than current treatments. These trials are available to patients who meet specific criteria and may provide access to promising therapies before they are widely available. There are three main phases:
- Phase I – Determines the best way to administer a new treatment and assesses its safety. Phase I is often the first time the treatment is tested in humans outside of a lab.
- Phase II – Tests how well the treatment works against a specific type of cancer.
- Phase III – Compares the new treatment to current standard treatments, involving larger patient groups. Patients are divided into groups, one receiving standard treatment and the other receiving the new treatment.
If clinical trials show success, the treatment may be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Remission means cancer signs and symptoms decrease or disappear. Partial remission means some cancer remains, while complete remission means no signs of cancer are detected, but it may still be in the body.
There is no guaranteed cure, but many treatments help patients live longer and stay cancer-free. Regular check-ups are essential to monitor health.
Community-based cancer care provides treatment close to home, including lab tests, imaging, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It makes care more convenient and helps patients stay close to family and support systems.
- Patients receive top-quality care near home.
- Less travel time means less stress.
- Coordinated care helps improve treatment results.
Although referrals are not always required, many patients come to TMC Health Cancer Center through referrals from primary care doctors, gynecologists, internists, surgeons or other specialists. Cancer is often first detected by these doctors before a referral to an oncologist is made.
Additionally, some insurance plans require a referral before seeing a specialist. If your insurance requires a referral, ensure that your primary care or referring doctor has provided one before scheduling your first appointment.
Coverage varies by plan. TMC Health Cancer Center has financial counselors who can help you understand what your insurance covers and assist with pre-authorizations if needed.
You will meet with a doctor, review your medical history and discuss treatment options. Check in at the front desk when you arrive.
Payments take up to two weeks to process. If you receive another bill, look to see if your payment has been processed. If not, call us to confirm.
If you are being charged a different amount than what your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) states, it may be due to your insurance denying specific items and applying them to patient responsibility. TMC Health Cancer Center works to appeal denials and help resolve any discrepancies. Sometimes, this process can take months or even years to complete.
If you have secondary insurance, it may not cover all charges, such as copayments, deductibles or specific services. Occasionally, claims do not transfer correctly between insurance companies. If you believe an error occurred, contact us so we can verify your claim and correct any mistakes.
There are several reasons you may receive a bill even if you have insurance, including incorrect or outdated insurance information, claim processing errors or patient responsibility charges. If you believe you were billed in error, please call us and we will be happy to review and assist you.
