Central Maine Healthcare

Where You are the Center

Services

Why Choose Us: Orthopedics

Bone, joint or muscle pain can really hurt – especially when they keep you from what you love. We’ve helped thousands of people throughout central and western Maine find life-changing relief, and can do the same for you through:

Award-Winning Care

OICM has earned several elite distinctions, including the Gold Seal of Approval® from the Joint Commission for total hip, knee and shoulder replacement, as well as hip fracture care. That means you don’t need to travel to Portland or Boston for orthopedic excellence – you’ll find the highest, national standards of safety and care right here in your hometown.

Innovative Approach to Your Care

A key component to our success is the multidisciplinary care approach we’ve developed. We call it Core Connect Care℠, and it is the only program of its kind in Maine. On your initial visit, you’ll be paired with your own dedicated team, which may include your surgeon, specially trained nurses, physical therapists and other specialists, depending on your unique needs. These friendly, familiar faces will be with you at every step, creating a close connection and circle of care. Our aim is to make your experience as productive and stress-free as possible.

Outstanding Patient Results

Find extra peace of mind knowing that we consistently score higher than the national average of orthopedic facilities and hospitals. Our patients go home sooner, recover faster and report a higher level of comfort and satisfaction than most patients in other hospitals. We also have a 0% complication rate for many orthopedic procedures. Learn more about our exceptional patient outcomes.

Dedicated Joint Replacement Program

If joint replacement is right for you, rest assured you’re in highly skilled hands. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons are skilled in some the latest, most minimally invasive techniques available, like anterior hip replacement, to help you get moving again sooner.

Every step of your journey is highly coordinated, starting with pre-operative testing and an educational class so you know just what to expect before, during and after your procedure. From there, we’ll guide you seamlessly through surgery, physical therapy and life with your new joint.

Comprehensive Fracture Care

Our recognition by The Joint Commission® as one of the nation’s top-tier orthopedic programs means we’ve also achieved excellence in bone fracture care. After an accident or fall, we can quickly and effective repair even the most complex fractures, right on-site. Working closely with our rehabilitation team, we’re committed to helping restore full function and mobility, and get you back to enjoying life.

Orthopedic Excellence, Close to Home

Best of all, it’s all offered at locations near where you live and work – so you never have to travel far to find the world-class care you need:

  • Central Maine Medical Center – Lewiston, Maine
  • Bridgton Hospital – Bridgton, Maine
  • Rumford Hospital – Rumford, Maine

Sports Medicine


Our specialists – including orthopedic providers and surgeons, physical therapists, athletic trainers and more – work closely together and with you to create a personal plan based on your needs and goals. So, whether you’re a weekend warrior or full-time pro, we’ll help you get back in action.

Helping You Reclaim Your Game

Caring for an injured athlete is more than just applying a brace. Our sports medicine providers use hands-on, proven techniques that target the cause of your pain to restore strength, function and flexibility.

Just some of our specialties include:

  • Acute sports injuries: from common sprains, strains and dislocations to more serious conditions like anterior cruciate ligament and rotator cuff tears, and complex fractures
  • Overuse sports injuries: treatment for tennis elbow, stress fractures, shin splints and tendonitis
  • Injury prevention: education and training to improve body mechanics and balance and reduce the risk of getting hurt

Our program also provides team provider coverage for Bates College, and we proudly serve as consultants for high school athletics throughout central and western Maine.

Minimally Invasive Techniques to Help Speed Healing

Whenever possible, we opt for non-invasive treatment, including therapy services regimens. But when surgery is your best solution, we offer the latest options designed with athletes in mind. That includes arthroscopic reconstructive surgery of the shoulder, elbow, knee, foot and ankle, which usually offer less pain and faster recovery versus traditional open surgery.

Shoulder Replacement

We know how hard it can be living with a severely painful shoulder. Even simple tasks like lifting groceries or getting dressed can be difficult, let alone doing the activities you love.

At Central Maine Healthcare, we may have just the solution for you. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons specialize in shoulder replacement surgery, a common procedure in which injured or diseased joints are replaced with state-of-the-art artificial parts. We offer both traditional shoulder replacement as well as reverse shoulder, including innovative solutions which completely customize surgery to your unique anatomy.

Your surgeon can help determine if shoulder replacement is right for you. If so, you can count on the highest standards of care close to home, with a program that has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval®, among other national distinctions.

You can also see every step of the process by watching our shoulder replacement videos.

Getting Your Shoulder, and Life, Back in Motion

Depending on your needs, your surgeon at Central Maine may first recommend nonsurgical options like medication or physical therapy. But, if you’re dealing with bone-on-bone arthritis or a traumatic injury, and other treatments haven’t brought relief, you may be a good candidate for total shoulder replacement.

The procedure involves replacing arthritic joint surfaces with a highly polished metal ball attached to a stem and a plastic socket. Our surgeons specialize in the latest, least invasive techniques, which can help restore virtually the exact anatomy of your shoulder. That means a more natural feeling, mobile and longer-lasting solution.

For completely torn rotator cuffs and severe, related arthritis, we also offer reverse shoulder replacement. In this procedure, the socket and metal ball are switched, meaning their natural position is reversed. The metal ball is fixed to the socket and the plastic cup is fixed to the upper arm bone (humerus). This allows you to use the deltoid muscle, instead of rotator cuff, to move and lift your arm. Reverse shoulder is typically recommended for patients with:

  • A completely torn rotator cuff that cannot be repaired with treatments like arthroscopy
  • Cuff tear arthropathy, a complex type of shoulder arthritis
  • A previous shoulder replacement that was unsuccessful
  • Severe shoulder pain and difficulty lifting your arm away from your side or over your head
  • A complex fracture of the shoulder joint

Support for Every Step

The thought of shoulder replacement may seem overwhelming, but we try as hard as possible to make it a seamless, easy process for you.

It starts with our pre-operative class, where you’ll learn what to expect through the entire process. From there, we’ll guide you seamlessly through surgery and rehabilitation, which often begins immediately after surgery in one of our dedicated orthopedic units. A physical therapist will work one-on-one with you to strengthen the shoulder joint and enhance range of motion, so you can get back faster to what you need and love to do.

Orthopedic Excellence, Close to Home

The Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine offers locations near where you live and work – so you never had to travel far to find the world-class care you need:

  • Central Maine Medical Center – Lewiston, Maine
  • Bridgton Hospital – Bridgton, Maine
  • Rumford Hospital – Rumford, Maine

Orthopedic Surgery

We know the thought of surgery can make anyone feel anxious. But with the experts at the Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine (OICM), you’ll find everything you need for success.

All our orthopedic surgeons are board-certified, performing a full range of procedures to treat knee, hip, shoulder, hand, wrist, elbow, foot and ankle pain.

Whenever possible, we use some of the most minimally invasive options available for joint replacement, spine surgery and more – each offering less pain, more mobility and a faster recovery.

From pre-operative education through personalized rehabilitation, we’ll here to support you at every step. And we’re part of your community, with orthopedic care centers conveniently located near where you live and work. So, you can stay focused on healing. 

Orthopedic Excellence, Close to Home

The Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine offers locations near where you live and work – so you never had to travel far to find the world-class care you need:

  • Central Maine Medical Center – Lewiston, Maine
  • Bridgton Hospital – Bridgton, Maine
  • Rumford Hospital – Rumford, Maine

Non-Surgical Options

Dealing with painful bones or joints can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to interfere with your life. And it doesn’t have to mean surgery.

At the Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine (OICM), we offer a full range of non-invasive options that can help effectively manage or even cure your pain. These treatments are usually quick, easy, virtually painless and involve little to no downtime.

One of our board-certified orthopedic specialists will work with you to find the best treatment for your specific condition. If needed, we also perform a full range of orthopedic procedures, including our joint replacement, using the most minimally invasive techniques available for less pain and faster recovery.

Therapy Services

At OICM, one of our licensed physical therapists can design a regimen that reduces your pain while also strengthening the key muscles that affect your joint. Your therapist can work with you short or long-term to make sure you’re doing specific exercises that increase your mobility and decrease your pain. Common therapy methods include bodyweight and aquatic exercises.

Your physical therapist may also apply ice and heat to your painful areas. Or, they make work alongside your treatment team to suggest ultrasound therapy or other procedures that can increase blood flow to the skin, helping to reduce pain.

Injections

Injections of substances like may be used to lubricate the joint, which reduces pain and improves mobility. These injections are administered in-office, making it one of the quickest and most convenient options.

Medication

Medication, including oral pain relievers and topical creams with the numbing agent lidocaine or bupivacaine, may help control your joint pain. Your provider will work with you to ensure you find the right prescriptions for your individual case to limit side effects and avoid drug interactions if you are taking other medications.

Cortisone Shots

Your provider might also recommend a steroid injection to reduce the inflammation (or swelling) of your joint.

The steroids are injected at the site of inflammation, and usually work to relieve pain within a few days and last several weeks.

 Orthopedic Excellence, Close to Home

Best of all, it’s all offered at locations near where you live and work – so you never have to travel far to find the world-class care you need:

  • Central Maine Medical Center – Lewiston, Maine
  • Bridgton Hospital – Bridgton, Maine
  • Rumford Hospital – Rumford, Maine

Education and Support: Orthopedic Care

Joint, bone and muscle pain can really hurt – especially when they keep you from what you need and love to do.

At the Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine, we can help you get back on track. Start with these helpful resources below.

Need in-person support? Come see one of our board-certified orthopedic experts. We begin by listening, to understand exactly what you’re dealing with and how it’s impacting you. Then we’ll work together to create a personalized treatment plan focused on relieving pain, restoring function and helping you return to your active life.

Classes and Events

At OICM, our orthopedic care doesn’t end in the office. We offer free, ongoing events to help our central and western Maine communities enjoy active and pain-free lifestyles. Whether you’re preparing for joint replacement surgery, seeking pain management strategies or need fitness and nutritional guidance, our experts have the answers. Explore upcoming classes and events near you.

Pre-Surgery Education

Have an upcoming joint replacement surgery? Scheduled patients should be sure to join the Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine (OICM) for a highly informative class and prep for your procedure with confidence.

During this highly informative session, you will:

  • Learn more about joints and how they work
  • View a presentation on joint replacement surgery
  • Go over details about preparing for surgery
  • Review what to know about discharge
  • Be given an overview of home care and rehabilitation
  • Get pain management strategies

You’ll also have the chance to ask any and all questions and connect with other patients on a similar journey.

Classes are held at:
Central Maine Healthcare Orthopedics Office
690 Minot Avenue
Auburn, Maine 04210

  • Education sessions are held every other Monday with the exception of holidays.
  • Knee Education: 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
  • Hip Education: 10:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
  • Spine Education: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
  • Shoulder Education: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 

Central Maine Healthcare Orthopedics
690 Minot Avenue
Auburn, Maine

To save your spot at an upcoming class, call (207) 783-1328. We look forward to seeing you!

Prehab

At the Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine (OICM), we’re committed to making your recovery from joint replacement as smooth and swift as possible. That process actually starts before your procedure, with pre-rehabilitation, or prehab.

This special program is designed to strengthen and prepare the muscles ahead of surgery, so that you go into surgery with optimal health and have the best outcome possible. Below, we’ve answered the most frequent questions revolving around this innovative practice.

What is Prehab?

Prehab is an exercise therapy program started at least six weeks or longer before surgery. It is conducted with a dedicated physical therapist, who guides you through bodyweight and flexibility movements to strengthen and stabilize your body. It’s a new concept — but has already proven to lead to a faster recovery.

How Can Prehab Get You Back on Your Feet Faster?

The rewards of prehab show in as little as 24 hours after surgery. Because of the increased level of fitness achieved before surgery, patients can often walk quicker, have shorter hospital stays and may be discharged and sent to outpatient rehab, rather than to a rehab facility for inpatient therapy.

Where Can I Attend Prehab Classes?

We have three locations convenient to you:

Central Maine Medical Center – Lewiston, Maine
Bridgton Hospital – Bridgton, Maine
Rumford Hospital – Rumford, Maine

Contact Us: Orthopedic Care

Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine
Central Maine Medical Center
300 Main Street, Lewiston, ME 04240
Phone: (207) 783-1328

Central Maine Healthcare Orthopedics
690 Minot Avenue, Auburn, ME 04210
Phone: (207) 783-1328

Bridgton Hospital Specialty Clinic – Orthopedics
10 Hospital Drive, Bridgton, ME 04009
Phone: (207) 647-6064

Rumford Hospital Specialty Clinic – Orthopedics
420 Franklin Street, Rumford, ME 04276
Phone: (207) 369-1130

Topsham Specialty Clinic – Orthopedics
105 Topsham Fair Mall Road, Topsham, ME 04086
Phone: (207) 798-6300

Pre-admission testing at CMMC:
Report to Pre-admission Testing inside of Central Maine Medical Center, using the 60 High Street entrance.
Phone: (207) 795-7569

Day of surgery at CMMC:
Report to Same Day Surgery inside of Central Maine Medical Center, using the 60 High Street entrance, go down the long corridor into the Memorial wing, take elevator to the 2nd floor, turn right and then take your first left into Same Day Surgery.
Phone: 207-795-5501

Meet Our Orthopedic Care Providers

Head and Neck Cancer

At Central Maine Healthcare, we’re committed to bringing the most effective treatments for this cancer to our communities in central Maine.

About Head and Neck Cancer

Each year, about 110,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with head and neck cancer, a group of cancers that starts in or near your mouth, throat, larynx, nose or sinuses. Most begin in the cells that line the surfaces of these areas. Head and neck cancer may also be called oral cavity cancer or oropharyngeal cancer.

There are five main types of the disease, collectively called head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and named for the area they affect:

  • Oral cavity: Lips, gums, inside lining of the cheeks and other areas inside of your mouth
  • Pharynx (throat): Includes your tonsils, back of your tongue and your soft palate
  • Larynx (voice box): Holds your vocal cords and your epiglottis, a flap of cartilage at the base of the tongue
  • Nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses: Hollow area inside your nose and small spaces in the bones of your head around your nose
  • Salivary glands: In the lower part of your mouth near your jawbone

Each of these types has its own set of cancer symptoms.  Though head and neck cancers can affect anyone, major risk factors include heavy tobacco and alcohol use, as well as the human papillomavirus (HPV), a type of sexually transmitted disease.

Prevention

Cancer can’t be prevented in all cases, but your risk of cancer can be reduced if you have a healthy lifestyle. Nearly 85 percent of all head and neck cancers are linked to tobacco use, so don’t start smoking. If you already smoke, quit. Learn how by calling the Maine Tobacco Helpline at 1-800-207-1230.

Other things that increase your risk include:

  • Exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Exposure to sun without protection increases risk of lip cancer
  • A diet that’s high in processed meat and low in fruit and vegetables
  • Not treating pre-cancerous growths like leukoplakia or erythroplakia

Detection

The key to treating—and beating—cancer is to catch it early. But like many cancers, cancer of the head and neck may not produce signs or symptoms until it’s already grown and spread to other tissues, making it harder to treat. That’s why some providers recommend that you examine the inside of your mouth in a mirror once a month. If you notice any white patches, sores, or lumps, see your provider. This kind of self-exam is especially important if you smoke – or used to smoke – and routinely drink alcohol.

Screening and Diagnosis

If you’re concerned you may have head and neck cancer, you want answers quickly. At Central Maine Healthcare, we understand not knowing can be the most difficult experience. That’s why we’re focused on providing the expert medical attention you need to get a diagnosis as quickly and accurately as possible.

Screening for Head and Neck Cancer

A screening test is developed to help your provider see if you have cancer before you have any symptoms. Early detection is an important part of treatment and recovery. Unfortunately, for head and neck cancer, there is no routine screening test. The good news is that many pre-cancers and cancers in these areas can be found early (when they’re small) during routine exams by a provider, dentist, dental hygienist, or by self-exam.

Especially if you smoke and regularly consume alcohol, you should do a self-exam once per month to check for any changes inside your mouth. If you notice any lumps, white patches, or sores, see your provider.

At your regular dental check- up, your dentist may use special dyes and/or lights to look for abnormal areas, especially if you are at higher risk for head and neck cancer. If anything looks abnormal, another test will help your dentist decide if these areas might be cancer. They may take a biopsy, which is the process of removing a small bit of the suspicious tissue for further testing.

It’s very important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer, especially if you are at higher risk for the disease:

  • Swelling or a sore that does not heal
  • Pain in the mouth that doesn’t go away
  • A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or lining of the mouth
  • Lump, bump, or mass in the head or neck area, with or without pain
  • Bad breath that’s not explained by hygiene
  • Hoarseness or change in voice
  • Pain or difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue
  • A lump or thickening in the cheek
  • Jaw pain
  • Weight loss

Diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancer

During your check-up, your provider will look inside your mouth, nose and throat, and check for lumps in your neck. That’s especially important if you use tobacco or have in the past, or drink regularly.

If your provider finds anything suspicious, you may need additional tests. Common options include:

  • Biopsy: A small piece of tissue is removed and checked for cancer cells.
  • Panendoscopy: A complete exam done in the operating room under anesthesia. The surgeon looks inside your nose, mouth and throat through thin tubes called scopes and may perform biopsies of abnormal tissue.
  • CT scan: A special kind of X-ray that takes detailed pictures to see if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, lungs or other organs.
  • MRI scan: MRIs use radio waves and strong magnets instead of x-rays to take detailed pictures. MRIs can be used to learn more about the size of the cancer and look for other tumors.
  • Barium swallow: X-rays are taken while you swallow a liquid with barium in it. Barium coats the inside surface of the throat and helps get a good picture to see how you swallow.
  • Chest X-rays: Used to see if the cancer has spread to the lungs.
  • PET scan: You are given a special type of sugar that can be seen inside your body with a special camera. If there is cancer, this sugar shows up as “hot spots” where the cancer is found.

If cancer is detected, know that you have Central Maine Healthcare’s most experienced care team in your corner. These specialists will discuss all cancer treatment options with you and create a personalized plan. And you’ll have your own nurse navigator to guide and support you throughout the journey.

Treatment

If you’ve been diagnosed with head and neck cancer, we know how overwhelming that can be. That’s why at Central Maine Healthcare, we combine compassionate care with the most advanced technology available to help you fight cancer with confidence.

Full Range of Head and Neck Cancer Treatments

Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center (CMCCC) offers a comprehensive spectrum of cancer care for patients with cancers of the head and neck. This includes thyroid, salivary glands, nose, mouth, facial, skin and neck tumors or lesions.

Providers at our Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) or Head and Neck Otolaryngology practice specialize in state-of-the-art medical care and surgical options. Our team includes some of the region’s leading cancer specialists: medical and radiation oncologists, surgeons, highly trained nurses, dietitians, social workers and more. Together they will work with you to create the best possible treatment plan.

Your Personalized Treatment Plan

Treatment of head and neck cancer depends on many factors, including the type and stage of the cancer (early or advanced), how treatment will affect the way you talk, breathe or eat, your overall health and your personal feelings about certain treatments and possible side effects.

Your personal treatment plan may include one or a combination of:

Surgery

Surgery may be used to take out the cancer and a margin of healthy tissue around it. In some cases, all or part of the tongue, throat, voice box wind pipe, or jaw bone may need to be removed. Surgery may also be used to take out lymph nodes in the neck which may harbor metastatic cancer. Our team includes a plastic surgeon who offers reconstructive and plastic surgery, following surgical procedures.

Radiation

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays (like x-rays) to shrink or kill cancer cells and help prevent recurrence of the disease. CMCCC uses the most advanced radiation technology available to treat head and neck cancer. Options include:

External beam radiation therapy (EBRT): In EBRT, beams of radiation are focused on the tumor from a machine outside the body called a linear accelerator.

Because head and neck cancers are close to other critical body structures, getting a clear view of the areas during radiation therapy is critical. CMCCC uses the groundbreaking Versa HD accelerator to plan and deliver high-dose radiation with unmatched precision. The result is faster, more effective treatments that minimize the impact on healthy, surrounding areas.

Internal radiation therapy: Also called brachytherapy, this minor outpatient procedure involves implanting tiny radioactive seeds close to the tumor. These seeds, about the size of a grain of rice, remain in place and give off radiation to the tumor site for weeks or months.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is used to kill cancer cells with powerful medicines delivered in varied cycles through either an IV or a pill. It may be used to shrink a tumor before surgery, to kill cancer cells that remain in the body after surgery or radiation, to treat tumors that have developed in other areas or to relieve symptoms when the cancer cannot be cured. Whenever possible, Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center uses newer medications that help maximize results and minimize side effects.

Immunotherapy

Recent FDA-approved drug therapies give people the ability to fight head and neck cancer using the body’s natural defense mechanism: the immune system. Immunotherapy works by making hidden cancer calls visible to the immune system, allowing white blood cells to fight and kill the cancer.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is a dangerous disease partly because patients rarely show symptoms before their cancer is too advanced to cure. Fortunately though, if it’s caught early, patients usually go on to full recovery. Central Maine Healthcare wants our entire community over the age of 45 to have colonoscopies so we can help stop this disease.

About Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer refers to cancer that begins in the colon or in the rectum. Colon and rectum cancer are grouped together because they have many features in common, like all cancers, colorectal cancer begins when cells in the body begin to grow out of control.

Prevention

While no cancer can truly be prevented, there are important steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk. It’s likely the best way to do this is getting your colonoscopy as soon as you turn 45. This test allows your gastroenterologist to detect pre-cancerous growths early, before they become cancer. These lifestyle changes are also associated with lower risk of colorectal cancer:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Increasing your physical activity
  • Reducing alcohol intake
  • Quitting cigarettes if you smoke
  • Increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables in your diet

Detection

Detecting colorectal cancer early is possible through a variety of screening tests. These include visual exams, like a colonoscopy, and stool-based tests, in which a provider checks the stool (feces) for signs of cancer. Stool-based tests are less invasive but must be done more often, usually once a year. A colonoscopy on the other hand is usually needed only once every 10 years.

Treatment

Most polyps do not become cancer, but if you’re diagnosed, rest assured you’re in skilled and caring hands. Our multi-skilled team of gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeon, oncologists, specially trained nurses and support staff will work with you to create a personalized cancer treatment plan.

Extra Support in Your Fight Against Colorectal Cancer

Central Maine Healthcare is devoted to providing the best care for all our cancer patients. In addition to our highly skilled specialists, we offer features designed to give you full support during treatment and recovery. These include navigator nurses specifically dedicated to guiding you to resources that will support you and your family and oncology social workers who offer counseling.

Screening and Diagnosis

We understand no one is eager to get a colonoscopy, but it could save your life! Colorectal cancer is 90% preventable which is why, at Central Maine Healthcare, we’re committed to making the process as easy and convenient as possible so more people will get tested.

What is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a test to view the inside of the rectum and colon, all of the large bowel and the lower part of the small intestine. This routine exam is usually done as an outpatient procedure and is administered by a trained gastroenterologist or surgeon using a colonoscope. A colonoscope is a long, thin, flexible tube with tiny camera and light on one end that relays information to a video monitor.

Why Get a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a safe and effective way to monitor gastrointestinal (GI) health and to check for diseases of the colon. Currently, a colonoscopy is the best defense against colorectal cancer as the most helpful tool in early detection. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. and is the third most common cancer in both men and women. Early detection through a colonoscopy could save your life.

Polyps are small growths on the inside wall of the rectum or colon that may become cancerous, removal of these during colonoscopy can actually prevent the polyps from becoming cancer. A colonoscopy is also done to find irregularities in the intestines, or to further look for microscopic evidence of disease through a biopsy taken during the procedure or to treat GI issues.

When Should I Get a Colonoscopy?

The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk for colorectal cancer begin regular screening at age 45. If you have a family history of colon cancer, screenings should start earlier. Talk to your provider about when to start regular screenings if you have a family history of colon cancer.

Colorectal Cancer Symptoms

You should also ask your provider about a colonoscopy if you’ve experienced any of the following:

  • Blood present in stool
  • Change in bowel habits
  • Prolonged rectal pain
  • Prolonged stomach pain
  • Inflamed colon as determined by a CT (computerized tomography) scan

Additional Colorectal Cancer Screenings 

Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard in colorectal cancer screening, but we also perform other standard tests to help detect polyps and signs of cancer:

  • Fecal Occult Blood Test: This test, recommended annually, looks for blood in the stool. Polyps bleed more than normal tissue and these tiny amounts of blood can be detected by a test called hemocult.
  • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: This exam, recommended every five years, evaluates the lower section of the colon and rectum, where most polyps and cancers are located.

Treatment

If you’ve been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, we know how worrisome it can be. But the good news is that colorectal cancer is one of the most treatable cancers. Central Maine Healthcare wants to help you by providing all the compassionate care and support you need to fight this disease.

Treatments We Offer

The type of treatment your provider recommends depends largely on the size and stage of the cancer (early or advanced), as well as your overall health, personal preferences and potential side effects. Our team will work with you to create a plan that you’re completely comfortable with and will focus on keeping you feeling well at every step. Your personal treatment plan may include one or a combination of:

Surgery

Surgery to remove the tumor is the most common treatment for colorectal cancer, especially the early stages. Part of the healthy colon or rectum and nearby lymph nodes may also be removed. If the cancer is small and completely contained within a polyp, your provider may be able to completely remove it during the screening colonoscopy which has less complications and faster recovery, with a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure, using just a few small incisions in the abdomen.

If the cancer has grown into or through your colon, you may need a procedure called a colectomy, in which the part of your colon that contains the cancer is removed, along with a margin of normal tissue on either side of the cancer.

Many colostomy can be less often, some people may need a temporary or permanent colostomy after surgery. This is a surgical opening through which the colon is connected to the abdominal surface to allow waste to exit the body. This waste is collected in a pouch worn by the patient. Our specially trained ostomy nurses can help learn how to manage the pouch and make any lifestyle adjustments.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays (like X-rays) to shrink or kill cancer cells and help prevent recurrence of the disease. The rays can be specifically directed at the part of the body where the cancer is located, and are commonly used to treat colorectal cancer because the tumor tends to recur near where it originally started. It can also be combined with chemotherapy to increase effectiveness.

External-beam radiation therapy is another therapy we use at Central Maine Healthcare to fight colorectal cancer. With this treatment, a machine is used to precisely deliver a high dose of radiation to a small area.

For some people, internal radiation therapy may help get rid of areas that have spread to the liver when surgery is not an option. Brachytherapy is an example of this sort of radiation therapy. It uses radioactive “seeds” placed inside the body to treat the cancer.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is used to kill cancer cells with medicines delivered in varied cycles through either an IV or a pill. It may be used to shrink a tumor before surgery, to kill cancer cells that remain in the body after surgery or radiation or to treat tumors that have developed in other areas of the body. Chemotherapy for colorectal cancer is usually given after surgery if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes, which may reduce the risk of a cancer recurrence. For advanced cancer that is no longer curable, chemo be used to help shrink tumors and relieve symptoms.

Targeted Therapy

Typically used for people with advanced colorectal cancer, targeted drug therapy works to block specific genes and proteins that allow cancer cells to grow, while limiting damage to healthy cells.

Immunotherapy

Some patients with advanced colorectal cancer may benefit from immunotherapy, which uses medicines to help a person’s own immune system find and destroy cancer cells.

Central Maine Healthcare Treats the Whole You

We help you in your battle against cancer by providing extra support along the way. Our nurse navigators, for example, guide all our cancer patients through their treatments and direct them to a variety of supportive resources including:

The Arbor House, a hospitality house near the Central Maine Medical Center campus, provides free accommodations for patients traveling a long distance for medical treatments, and for families visiting loved ones who are hospitalized.

Find a Colorectal Specialist Near You

Breast Cancer

One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. But with increased awareness, early detection and innovative new treatments, survival rates continue to rise.

About Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells within the breast. Breast cancer begins in the breast tissue, which is comprised of glands used for milk production (called lobules) and ducts that connect these lobules to the nipple. The remainder of the breast is made up of fatty, connective and lymphatic tissue.

With the exception of skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, and the second leading cause of cancer death, second only to lung cancer. Many breast lumps turn out to be non-cancerous, though a malignant lump can mean that the cancer has already spread beyond the breast. That’s why it’s crucial to get regular breast screenings, so your provider can catch and treat any concerns before they become serious.

Prevention

Whether you have a family history of breast cancer or just want to stay on top of your health, Central Maine Healthcare offers the preventive services and support you need for your peace of mind. Start by understanding your personal breast cancer risk factors, and how you can take control right away. If you have a family history of breast cancer, or other factors that may increase your risk, talk to your provider about further ways to prevent the disease.

Detection

If you’re over 40, getting an annual mammogram is your best weapon against breast cancer. Mammography has proven to be the most effective tool for detecting breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Central Maine Healthcare offers all-digital mammography, with crystal-clear images that can be magnified to pinpoint any suspicious areas.

Not all breast problems are cancer, but if you’re diagnosed, our breast cancer experts will be by your side. Our dedicated care team—including gynecologic and radiation oncologists, breast surgeons, specially trained nurses, physical therapists and more—work closely to create a personalized cancer treatment plan. Should you need surgery, we offer a full range of breast procedures, including mastectomy, lumpectomy, breast reconstruction and more to help return you to good health. And you have access to leading breast cancer clinical trials, right here at home.

Screening and Diagnosis

One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. But with increased awareness, early detection and innovative new treatments, survival rates continue to rise.

Treatment

Not all breast problems are cancer, but if you’re diagnosed, our breast cancer experts will be by your side. Our dedicated care team—including gynecologic and radiation oncologists, breast surgeons, specially trained nurses, physical therapists and more—work closely to create a personalized cancer treatment plan. Should you need surgery, we offer a full range of breast procedures, including mastectomy, lumpectomy, breast reconstruction and more to help return you to good health. And you have access to leading breast cancer clinical trials, right here at home.

The Cancer Care Center includes The Sam and Jennie Bennett Breast Care Center, which is a nationally accredited Breast Center of Excellence, in addition to being accredited by several renowned professional healthcare organizations that supervise the quality of cancer care. That means you can find peace of mind, knowing that you’re getting excellent care, without having to travel far from home.

Treatment of breast cancer depends on many factors, including your overall health and wellness, the stage of the cancer (early or advanced), hormone sensitivity of the tumor and your personal feelings around certain treatments and possible side effects. Our goal is to keep you feeling well throughout treatment without major changes to your usual routine.

Your personal treatment plan may include one or a combination of:

Breast Cancer Surgery

Surgery is the most common treatment for early breast cancer. Depending on the stage of the cancer, there are different types of surgery available:

  • Lumpectomy: Removal of the just tumor and some surrounding tissues.
  • Total mastectomy: Removal of the entire affected breast, but no lymph nodes or muscle.
  • Modified radical mastectomy: Removal of the affected breast as well as any lymph nodes under the arm where the cancer has spread.
  • Radical mastectomy: Removal of the affected breast, lymph nodes and the muscle under the breast.
  • Breast reconstruction: One of our skilled plastic surgeons can restore the breast mounds using your own tissue or from other areas of the body, either at the same time or following a mastectomy.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is used to kill cancer cells with medicines delivered in varied cycles through either an IV or a pill. It may be used to shrink a tumor before surgery, to kill cancer cells that remain in the body after surgery or radiation or to treat tumors that have developed in other areas. Whenever possible, Central Maine Healthcare uses newer medications that help minimize the side effects of chemotherapy.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays (like X-rays) to shrink or kill cancer cells and help prevent recurrence of the disease. The rays can be specifically directed at the part of the body where the cancer is located. Treatments are delivered by linear accelerator, where patients lie on a table in a specially designed room.

Hormone Therapy 

Hormone therapy uses medication to block the use of estrogen by the cancer cells, as some types of breast cancer rely on estrogen and/or progesterone to grow. These cells are referred to as “hormone receptor positive” cancer cells. If a tumor is not deemed hormone receptor positive, then hormone therapy is not usually used.

Biological Therapy

Biological therapy works in with the body’s own immune system to help destroy cancer cells or to assist in controlling side effects resulting from other cancer treatments.

Support

Throughout your journey, you’ll find a variety of cancer support services to meet your physical, emotional, spiritual and financial needs. That includes your very own breast cancer nurse navigator to coordinate all of your care, connect you to valuable resources and provide extra comfort and support at every step.

Your Breast Cancer Team

The Cancer Care Center provides a team of support for patients diagnosed with breast cancer. You’ll meet with breast cancer surgeons to discuss the best treatment plans. Our surgeons are one part of your team that also includes radiologists, pathologists, and medical and radiation oncologists. If you choose to have reconstructive surgery following breast surgery, your team will also include CMMC’s plastic surgeons.

All these providers work together, communicating with each other as needed to give you individualized, focused care. Our nurse navigators serve as your advocate and can help you with other parts of the process, like understanding financial and health insurance requirements, the day-to-day impact of treatments, and other needs as they arise.