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Torrance Memorial Medical Center is a 443-bed, non-profit medical center,the purpose of which is to provide quality healthcare services, predominantly to the residents of the South Bay, Peninsula andHarbor communities of Los Angeles County.THE VASEK AND ANNA MARIA POLAKBREAST DIAGNOSTIC CENTERoncologist, radiologist and a Breast Health Navigator, will fullydiscuss the next steps in your individual treatment and care.Since 1986, the Vasek and Anna Maria Polak Breast DiagnosticCenter at Torrance Memorial has been a leader in women's healthcare in the South Bay community and beyond. Designed for thespecific needs and comfort of women, our four convenientlocations are staffed with compassionate experts trainedspecifically in breast health.Vasek and Anna Maria PolakBreast Imaging Center of ExcellenceThe Vasek and Anna Maria Polak BreastDiagnostic Center is recognized by theAmerican College of Radiology (ACR) as aBreast Imaging Center of Excellence. Toachieve this distinction the centerundergoes continuous, rigorous reviews todemonstrate the highest standards of qualityassurance and accreditation inmammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI and stereotacticbreast biopsy. Each of these three accreditations requires allphysicians and technologists undergo extended specific training,as well as continuing education.In addition, the Breast Diagnostic Center is a member of theNational Consortium of Breast Centers, a non-profit organization ofbreast health care professionals dedicated to the continuedexcellence and improvement of breast health care. All of ourBreast Diagnostic Centers are certified in Mammography by TheState of California, the FDA, and Accredited by the ACR. The PolakBreast Diagnostic Center in Torrance is ACR-accredited inStereotactic Breast Biopsy, Ultrasound and Ultrasound-GuidedBreast Biopsies, and Breast MRI.Advanced Breast Cancer DiagnosticsThe Breast Diagnostic Center provides some of the most accurateand least invasive screening and diagnostic procedures available.These include:The Breast Diagnostic Center was founded in 1986 through thegenerous contributions of Vasek and Anna Maria Polak. The Polakfamily - fixtures in the South Bay community through charitableand business leadership - created the financial support necessaryto found and continue our service to women's health.IMAGING & RADIOLOGYThe Torrance Memorial Radiology Group is the premiere radiologydepartment in the South Bay and amongst the best in greaterSouthern California. We are recognized as leaders in imagingbecause of our highly trained and specialized radiologists,state-of-the-art imaging equipment and technology, andoutstanding support staff.Radiologists are physicians who have completed years ofspecialty training in medical imaging to diagnose and treat avariety of medical conditions and diseases. Because TorranceMemorial Medical Center has a history of excellence in Radiology,we have attracted some of the country's best board-certifiedradiologists to our staff.Excellent imaging services require more than just top-notchradiologists. At Torrance Memorial, we have invested instate-of-the-art equipment for our Department of Radiology.We have also assembled an entire team of caring, highly skillednurses, technologists, managers and support staff devoted toproviding our patients with the highest quality imaging servicesavailable. Together, this team provides the wide range of servicesyou would expect from a leading academic imaging facility. Ourprofessionals work collaboratively with primary care and specialtyphysicians to provide each patient with the highest level ofpersonalized multidisciplinary care. Digital MammographyImaging Services at Torrance Memorial Medical Center offers avariety of diagnostic and therapeutic services using many differentimaging modalitie Breast UltrasoundImaging services include: 3D Mammography Breast MRI Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy Computed Tomography (CT) Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Breast MRI Biopsy Osteoporosis ScreeningAll patients who undergo an advanced diagnostic procedure alsoreceive information on continuing breast health. If cancer isdetected, a team of health care professionals, including an Diagnostic Radiology Interventional Radiology Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Nuclear Medicine Ultrasound

Interventional Radiology for Cancer Treatment: Chemotherapy and Central Venous Access Tunneled Peripheral Insertion of Central Venous Line Tunneled Dialysis Catheter Insertion Peripheral Insertion of Central Venous Line Chest-Port Insertion Laser Vein Ablation (LVA) Percutaneous Insertion of the Inferior Vena Cava Filter Chemo Embolization (Kidney, Liver) Radiofrequency/Microwave AblationPATHOLOGYEvery pathologist at Torrance Memorial is board certified by TheAmerican Board of Pathology in anatomical and clinical pathology. Highly focused on accuracy and providing quick results, ouronsite pathology team delivers the most precise and timely diagnostic services. Our laboratory usesstate-of-the-art medical technology found at leadinguniversity medical centers and research hospitals.Cancer treatment is becoming ever more personalized. Treatmentplans are derived from the detailed information obtained by thecell analysis done in the pathologydepartment. Our pathologists not only identify the specific typeand subtype of cancer, they also analyze tumoraggressiveness and measure an array of bio-molecular markersand perform tumor gene analysis that aids thefine-tuning of treatment decisions. Pathology can also be used toverify the effectiveness of treatment.Here are some of the ways pathology servesSouth Bay cancer patients:Diagnosis - Sophisticated laboratory tests determine if cancer ispresent. Pathologists perform these tests on the tissue or fluidscollect by biopsy or surgery. These reports identify the specifictype of cancer based on appearance, location and other studies.This phase determines whether your cancer has spread and, if so,how far. Pathology results also help pinpoint the cancer stage.Prognosis - Based on special studies, pathologists maydetermine the nature and seriousness of your cancer. Theseprognostic markers allow your cancer care team to shape yourtreatment and medications to most aggressively combatthe disease.Aiding Treatment: Intra-Operative Diagnosis - athology isroutinely used during surgery to ensure that a tumor has beenfully and successfully removed. While a patient is still underanesthesia and in the operating room, samples of a removedtumor are immediately delivered to the pathologist formicroscopic examination. Tests are done to determine if themargin of the sample is cancer-free or if more tissue needs to beremoved. Nearby lymph nodes are also checked to see if cancerhas spread. Information is rapidly relayed back to the surgeon.This procedure is referred to as intra-operative diagnosis.RADIATION ONCOLOGYRadiation oncology at Torrance Memorial gives patients access tothe most progressive cancer imaging, computer-aided planningand targeted treatments available. The precise delivery oftreatment limits the exposure of healthy tissue to radiation andreduces side effects. Stereotactic Radiotherapy/Radiosurgery is a form ofradiation therapy that delivers narrow, powerful radiation beamsto a tumor from many directions. This type of radiation therapyuses a three-dimensional set of coordinates to precisely targetthe beams and is more protective of nearby healthy tissue thanconventional radiation therapy. At Torrance Memorial, we'reproud to be first in our South Bay area to be able to offerstereotactic radiotherapy treatment utilizing the world's mosttechnologically advanced linear accelerator, the TrueBeam does not cause skin irritation or burning. Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is a highlyadvanced technique regarded as the "gold standard" in radiationtreatment; IMRT delivers high doses of radiation to tumors whilesubstantially reducing the risk to normal tissue. IMRT is a formof three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy and one of themost precise and sophisticated treatment techniques currentlyavailable. This relatively new technology is used effectively totreat many kinds of cancer, especially prostate cancer andcancers of the head and neck. 3-D Conformal Radiation Therapy uses CT based treatmentplanning with three-dimensional rendering of the tumor andsurrounding structures. This allows for very precise delivery ofradiation doses and better avoidance of normal tissues. Conventional External Beam Radiation Therapy radiationtherapy technique uses a linear accelerator to deliver radiationtreatments to somewhat larger treatment areas. CT basedtreatment planning is always used and every effort is made toexclude as much of the normal tissues from the treatment areaas possible. Partial Breast Brachytherapy. "Brachy" comes from theGreek word for "up close." This new method of internal partialbreast radiation delivers radiation to the tissue surrounding thelumpectomy site and avoids radiation exposure to breast tissuenot adjacent to the cancer. A precise dose of radiation therapy isdelivered through a small tube to a highly localized portion ofthe breast over a one-week period, after which the tube isremoved. Patients who are candidates for post-lumpectomybrachytherapy are carefully chosen based on tumorcharacteristics.DEDICATED ONCOLOGY INPATIENT UNITTorrance Memorial Medical Center has a dedicated, 26 bedoncology unit staffed with highly trained and compassionateregistered nurses, the majority of whom have been certified inoncology nursing by the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS). Anintegral part of our multidisciplinary treatment team at every stageof the disease process, these highly experienced oncology nurses

provide excellent nursing care based on the individual needs of thepatient such as symptom management chemotherapy delivery,and postoperative care. The unit has a dedicated clinical educatorwho provides specific educational programs to maintain thehighest standards of oncology nursing care.OUTPATIENT INFUSION CENTERSPatients receive their chemotherapy in one of our two infusioncenters. For more than 25 years, our high treatment volumeconsistently places us within the top 4 community practices inCalifornia. Our treatment numbers exceed many university cancercenters. All of our nurses are chemotherapy certified and they takeevery step to ensure that our patients’ treatment is accurate, safeand comfortable.Our infusion centers are designed along the lines of a modernintensive care unit. Each infusion station is in close proximity to anoncology nurse work area, keeping patients easily visible. Eachchemotherapy treatment is monitored from start to finish. Not onlydo our patients appreciate this extra attentiveness and security,they also enjoy the opportunity to converse with and receivesupport from fellow patients.GENETICS PROGRAMThe promise of personalized medicine is here. The GeneticsProgram at the Hunt Cancer Institute provides geneticsconsultations with a licensed genetic counselor to help patientsbetter understand their risk of developing hereditary cancer.Services include: Interpretation of family medical history Coordination of appropriate genetic testing Interpretation of genetic test results Genetics education Cancer risk-reduction recommendations Testing at-risk relatives Identification of opportunities in genetic researchA genetics consult can provide important useful information ifpatients have: a personal history of cancer at a young age several relatives with cancer diagnosed at a youngage, or more than one relative with the same typeof cancer or related cancers (e.g. breast andovarian cancer or colon and uterine cancer)regardless of the age at diagnoses two or more different types of cancer diagnosis orhave a close relative with the same history of twoseparate cancer diagnoses a personal or family history of rare cancer(e.g. male breast cancer or childhood sarcoma) a relative (close or distant) with known mutationCANCER REHABILITATION PROGRAMOne of the most important aspects of the cancer journey isachieving the fullest possible recovery once cancer treatment iscomplete. Recovery means not only having control over thedisease and reversing the adverse side effects caused bytreatment, but also achieving a level of health and vitality toimprove and extend life. The Torrance Memorial OncologyRehabilitation program team of Occupational, Physical andSpeech Therapists assesspatients, and plan individualized programs and personalizedcoaching to achieve physical, functional and social recovery.Cancer Rehabilitation Program ServicesSpecialized services provided by physical, occupational andspeech therapists, help oncology patients with: Mobility, flexibility and strength Scar adhesions and restrictions Depleted functional capacity and energy conservation issues Sensory loss, neuropathy related pain Lymphedema Compromised activities of daily living in the home and in thecommunity, including work ergonomic issues Adaptive devices, equipment, braces and splints Safety, balance and coordination Seating problems Swallowing and speechLymphedema TherapyThe Lymphedema Management Program at Torrance Memorialhelps patients prevent and control lymphedema. Treatmentdepends on the severity and extent of the condition. Skilledtherapists emphasize self-care and education in helping patientssuccessfully manage lymphedema and lead normal, active lives.Whenever the normal drainage pattern in the lymph nodes isdisturbed or damaged (often as a result of surgery or injury),swelling of the arms or legs may occur. Radiation andchemotherapy may also cause limb swelling. This abnormalcollection of too much fluid is called lymphedema. Some peoplemay experience severe swelling (edema) – with the affected limbbeing several inches larger than the other. Others may experiencea milder form – with the affected limb being slightly larger than theother limb. While there is no cure, effective treatment can keeplymphedema under control.All evaluations and treatments are performed per a physician’sorder. Most insurance carriers require pre-authorization foroutpatient evaluation.The Torrance Memorial certified lymphedema therapists offer freemonthly lymphedema screenings.

RESEARCHWe believe clinical trials are the front line in the battle againstcancer. Our physicians offer among the best and most innovativetreatment options to our patients and are involved in more than 40of the world’s most promising research protocols. Our approach toresearch focuses on clinical trials that offer the hope and promiseof more effective patient care, as well as advancing the science ofoncology with new technologies such as circulating tumor DNA(liquid biopsies).TUMOR BOARDSOur physician team conducts twice weekly roundtablediscussions designed to review cases and recommend treatmentfor each patient individually. Medical and radiation oncologists,surgeons, pathologists and radiologists are required attendees ofthese conferences. National Comprehensive Cancer Network(NCCN) practice guidelines, information on open clinical trials,and review and discussion of AJCC staging are included in casepresentations.PSYCHOSOCIAL SERVICESAt Torrance Memorial Medical Center, we understand how acancer diagnosis impacts every area of a patient's life. Under thedirection of a professional licensed clinical social worker, we assistpatients and their families with the emotional effects of cancerdiagnosis and treatment. Individual and family counseling, groupsupport, and referrals to appropriate community resources areprovided according to each patient's particular needs.Support Groups include: Women’s Cancer Support Group. A gathering of womensharing stories, gathering strength and learning to adapt to lifechanges. Meets every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Men’s Cancer Support Group. A gathering of men withany type of cancer sharing their questions, concerns andexperiences living with cancer. Meets 2nd Tuesday of everymonth from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Head and Neck Cancer Support Group. A safe environmentto share experiences related to diagnosis and learn aboutavailable resources. Meets 4th Tuesday of every month from6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.MEDICAL NUTRITION THERAPYA Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is a part of the team ofhealth professionals that help with cancer treatment and recovery.The dietitian has education and experience in the specializednutritional needs of patients with cancer, side-effect management,and in minimizing the risk of cancer through nutritional counselingand education.A dietitian will work with patients, their families, and the rest of themedical team to manage the patient’s nutritional status. MedicalNutrition Therapy (MNT) is used to help cancer patients keep ahealthy body weight, maintain strength, keep body tissue healthy,and decrease side effects both during and after treatment.Cancer and cancer treatments may affect taste, smell, appetite,and the ability to eat enough food or absorb the nutrients from food.This can put patients at nutrition risk, possibly leading to thedevelopment of malnutrition. Malnutrition can cause the patient tobe weak, tired, and unable to fight infection or finish cancertreatment. Eating the right amount of protein and calories isimportant for healing, fighting infection, and having enough energy.Torrance Memorial has dedicated Registered Dietitian Nutritionistsassigned to the Oncology Unit who implement evidence-basedmedical nutrition therapy and provide ongoing monitoring andevaluation of patient nutritional status. Their ongoing goals include: Improve understanding of how proper nutritionsupports improved cancer patient care Offer patient-specific nutrition assessments Apply interventions and provide educationthroughout the cancer treatment process

Designed with patients in mind, the light-filled Hunt Cancer Center serves as a hub for cancer care by housing clinical trials, infusion center, exam rooms, nurse navigators, cancer education and genetic counseling services in one convenient location. The Torrance Memorial Physician Network - Cancer Care oncology and hematology medical group .