Cancers We Treat
The Cancer Network of West Michigan is a collaboration of two local, award-winning health systems — Trinity Health and University of Michigan Health-West. Working alongside University of Michigan Health, we’re making it easier to access outstanding cancer care.
Our expertise spans many types of cancer, including common, rare and complex diagnoses. These capabilities make it easier to receive the high-quality services you deserve close to home. We deliver comprehensive care, including advanced options for breast cancer, brain tumors, gastrointestinal cancers, melanoma and more.
Our team includes cancer experts specializing in brain and nervous system tumors. These growths may be cancerous or noncancerous (benign) and include:
- Acoustic neuroma, noncancerous tumors that develop in the nerves that support balance and hearing
- Glioblastoma, a fast-growing cancer that can quickly invade nearby brain tissue
- Glioma, tumors that develop in glial cells, which surround nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and help them function
- Meningioma, a common tumor that starts in the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord
- Metastatic brain tumors, cancerous growths that start in a different area of the body and spread to the brain
Our nationally recognized breast cancer services include leading therapies from trusted experts. There are many different types of breast cancer, including:
- Ductal carcinoma in situ occurs in the ducts through which breast milk flows and does not spread.
- Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that causes breast skin irritation.
- Invasive ductal carcinoma also occurs in milk ducts, but spreads to other areas.
- Invasive lobular carcinoma starts in the glands that produce breast milk and can spread.
- Triple-negative breast cancer is not fueled by estrogen, progesterone or HER2 proteins, like many other types of breast cancer.
Gastrointestinal cancers develop in the organs of the digestive tract, including the:
- Esophagus
- Peritoneum
- Stomach
- Liver
- Gallbladder and bile ducts
- Pancreas
- Small intestine
- Colon
- Rectum
- Anus
Gynecologic cancers develop in the organs of a woman’s reproductive system, including the:
- Cervix
- Ovaries
- Uterus
- Vagina
- Vulva
Head and neck cancers form in the soft surfaces within the:
- Nasal cavity, inner part of the nose
- Oral cavity, inside the mouth
- Salivary glands
- Sinuses
- Throat and tonsils
Skin cancers we treat include:
- Basal cell carcinoma, the most common type, forms in cells that produce new layers of skin.
- Melanoma, the most aggressive form, develops in cells that give skin color (melanocytes) and spreads quickly.
- Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare skin cancer, starts at the base of the outermost layer of skin.
- Skin adenocarcinoma, another rare cancer, occurs in sweat glands.
- Squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common type, develops in the middle and outer layers of skin
Urologic cancers affect the urinary system and male reproductive tract. They may form in the:
- Bladder
- Kidneys
- Penis
- Prostate
- Testes
Additional cancers we treat include:
- Adrenal gland cancer occurs in the glands that are on top of the kidneys. These glands regulate blood pressure, metabolism and other essential functions.
- Leukemia affects immature blood cells in the tissue inside your bones (bone marrow).
- Lymphoma develops in the lymphatic system, which helps rid your body of germs and fights disease.
- Multiple myeloma causes abnormal white blood cells to develop and crowd out healthy bone marrow cells.
- Soft tissue sarcoma develops in supportive tissue, like muscles, tendons, fat, blood vessels and nerves.
- Thyroid cancer affects the thyroid — a gland in your neck that helps regulate many of the body’s functions.