Keep Your Head & Neck in Check

New radiation technology and refreshed waiting and treatment areas are expanding world-class cancer treatment at Wellstar Cobb Cancer Center.

Cancer care in forward motion

Wellstar Cobb Cancer Center recently installed its second TrueBeam linear accelerator, which treats various cancers, including brain, head and neck, prostate, breast, lung, skin and gastrointestinal tumors. With the linear accelerator, clinicians can adjust the size and shape of beams to a tumor’s shape and spare healthy tissue.

With the second linear accelerator, Wellstar Cobb can offer patients more flexible and convenient scheduling. “An additional linear accelerator can lead to timely treatment starts and shorter wait times,” said Dr. Nasarachi Onyeuku, a radiation oncologist at Wellstar. “It expands our ability to treat more patients with cutting-edge care, continuing our commitment to bringing world-class cancer treatment closer to home.”

In addition to state-of-the-art external beam radiotherapy, TrueBeam delivers precise, high-dose stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) targeting tumors in the body. It also provides stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain or spine cancer treatment. Patients will typically receive one to five treatments.

Patient-centered care at Wellstar Cobb

Wellstar Cobb Cancer Center recently renovated its treatment areas, front desk and waiting room, making it more welcoming and comforting for patients and their families. Within the treatment areas, the suite where patients receive high-dose radiation brachytherapy, a targeted treatment that involves placing radioactive material directly into tumors or near them, also underwent renovations.

“The beautifully designed space enhances patient comfort, offering a calm, supportive environment,” Dr. Onyeuku said. “We’re currently treating breast, cervical, uterine and skin cancers, with plans to expand to other cancer types. It’s advanced, efficient care—delivered close to home and with compassion.”

Early detection and support services

Cancer care begins with prevention and early detection. Wellstar Cobb is home to a lung cancer STAT Clinic, where specialists collaborate to diagnose and begin treatment within as little as 14 days. According to research by the Cleveland Clinic, patients can spend up to eight weeks on average visiting different specialists before starting a treatment plan. Earlier treatment can lead to the best possible outcomes.

Patients at Wellstar Cobb receive support at every stage of their treatment. These services include:

• Emotional support from a social worker
• Lymphedema therapy for patients with excess fluid and swelling
• Meal planning with a dietitian
• Monthly support group
• Pain management
• Physical therapy
• Transportation assistance

“We have a superb team and state-of-the-art treatment here at Wellstar Cobb Cancer Center. And we’re backed by the resources of a nationally recognized health system,” Dr. Onyeuku said. “We are thrilled that our technology enhancements allow us to serve more people with exceptional cancer treatment.”

Learn more about cancer care in Cobb.

For Phyllis Burgess, staying on top of her health made all the difference. When lung cancer showed up on a routine screening, she was ready—and so was her Wellstar care team.

Proactive primary care

When Phyllis retired after nearly 50 years as a bookkeeper, she looked forward to a slower pace and more time for herself. A breast cancer survivor and former smoker, she also wanted to be proactive about her health.

Encouraged by her Wellstar primary care physician, Dr. David Gose, Phyllis committed to regular lung cancer screening at Wellstar Paulding Medical Center —staying one step ahead of a disease that usually goes unnoticed until it's too late. Wellstar’s lung cancer screening program is a national leader in early detection, offering low-dose CT scans that help detect early-stage lung cancer before clinical signs or symptoms become evident.

Her first three CT scans came back clear. But on her fourth screening, doctors spotted something suspicious.

Quick answers with the STAT Clinic

Phyllis was quickly referred to the Wellstar Specialty Teams and Treatments (STAT) Clinic for Lung Cancer at Wellstar Paulding. The program quickly moves patients through screening to diagnosis and treatment with a multidisciplinary team of experts. Patients with lung and other chest cancers meet with multiple specialists in one place, often on the same day, to reduce delays and improve outcomes.

"Most of the time you don’t get two or three or four or five people on your case from the get-go,” said Phyllis. "But knowing that I had this group of qualified professionals looking at my tests, discussing what we need to do, how best to do it, when to do it—it’s very comforting."

At the Wellstar STAT Clinic, Phyllis’ care team included a thoracic surgeon, medical and radiation oncologists, pulmonologist and nurse navigators, who bring a highly personalized level of guidance and support to each patient and their family members.

"The support staff was just fabulous,” Phyllis said. "They’re like best friends. They’re there for you."

Behind the scenes, her care team was already working in sync to coordinate fast care.

“We plan patients’ appointments ahead of time, ordering multiple tests that will be necessary for the treatment decision-making. These can include PET scans, CT scans, MRIs and/or a pulmonary function test,” said Dr. Daniel Fortes, Wellstar chief of thoracic surgery. "We’re always gaining time in the patient’s overall treatment because we are anticipating and creating a plan as a team."

Dr. Fortes emphasized that timing matters when treating lung cancer. "We have data to show that if we delay treatment, even in early-stage cancers, we do decrease the chance of a cure,” he said. “The goal of the STAT Clinic is to get them the quickest we can into their final treatment plan."

Expert diagnosis and advanced surgery

To diagnose her cancer, Phyllis underwent a robotic bronchoscopy at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center. The advanced procedure allowed the pulmonary team to examine her lungs and collect tissue samples.

The biopsy confirmed lung cancer. Having already caught one cancer early, Phyllis was grateful she had remained vigilant—keeping up with annual screenings and following through on care every step of the way.

"I am sort of a walking advertisement for early detection," she said. "My mammogram showed up with stage zero breast cancer. And I think they described the lung cancer as 1.1—very early, no metastasis. I’ve been very fortunate. These processes that are there for people to take advantage of saved my life.”

Phyllis returned to the STAT Clinic, where the same team who had evaluated her case before came together again to review her results and finalize her treatment plan.

"Every single patient who comes through our clinic is discussed collaboratively by a group of lung cancer specialists so we can make a fast, informed decision as a team," Dr. Fortes explained. "Because Phyllis had good overall health and an early-stage diagnosis, she was an excellent candidate for surgery.”

Soon after, Phyllis had a lobectomy at Wellstar Kennestone. Dr. Fortes performed the robotic-assisted surgery using the  da Vinci Surgical System to remove the affected part of her lung.

"They told me what they would do, what kind of incisions they’d be making and what I could expect in the way of healing," Phyllis said. “So, I went in feeling like this is not some strange, scary process.”

Dr. Fortes noted that complex cancer surgeries are best performed at major centers like Wellstar Kennestone. "Complex cancer care demands a comprehensive structure of care around the patient that includes more than just physicians and technology," he explained. "At the same time, we are continuing to expand our STAT Clinics to bring them closer to people's homes and with the aim of improving access for patients.”

Ongoing care, close to home

Phyllis’ lung cancer surgery took place the day before a snowstorm was forecasted to hit the metro Atlanta area. However, thanks to Dr. Fortes’ minimally invasive techniques—which resulted in less pain, less scarring and less blood loss—she was able to be discharged from the hospital that evening and avoid being stuck at the hospital for several days due to poor road conditions.

Phyllis described her recovery as “easy” and now feels great. She continues her follow-up care for both lung and breast cancer at the Wellstar Women’s Imaging Services at Wellstar Paulding, close to home.

“Wellstar Paulding feels like home, even when I’m dealing with someone who I haven’t met before,” she shared. “Whether it’s the receptionist or the admissions nurse—they’re always very, very friendly and helpful. There’s a family feel to it."

Hope, health and staying vigilant

As she settles into retirement, Phyllis is sharing her story to encourage others to set aside any fear or guilt and talk to their healthcare provider about lung cancer screening.

"Cancers are so insidious. You’re not going to just go, 'Gee, I don’t feel good; it must be cancer,'" she said. "There’s no big warning signs until it’s serious. Early detection is absolutely our best weapon. It’s our best defense.”

Dr. Fortes echoed the importance of early detection. "We can only cure lung cancers if we pick them up in an early stage. That’s why lung cancer is the No. 1 cancer killer in the world,” he said. “The only way we can change that is by diagnosing early. And then they are truly curable.”

Phyllis is thankful for Wellstar’s STAT Clinics that are designed to move quickly when it matters most.

Her advice to others considering treatment at a STAT Clinic? "Please do it. It’s the difference between life and death,” she urged. “At the same time, it’s in an environment where you don’t feel like you’re a sample in a petri dish. These are people, and they’re warm, and they care."

Learn more about who is eligible for lung cancer screening, find a location near you or schedule your lung cancer screening at Wellstar.

Learn more about STAT Clinics at Wellstar.

There’s an undesirable side to Georgia’s natural beauty. Just ask any allergy sufferer.

In the state’s warm climate, pollen from grasses, trees and ragweed causes itching, sneezing and wheezing almost year-round.

Dr. Timothy Ryan, a board-certified ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist at Wellstar, has tips for preventing and managing symptoms. On 95.5 WSB’s The Weekly Check-Up with host Bruce Feinberg, DO, Dr. Ryan shared his allergy tricks, as well as information on allergens lurking in the home, how to tell if allergy symptoms are from colds or sinus infections, and explained “antibiotic resistance” and why it’s a concern.

Seasonal allergies in Georgia

Dr. Ryan treats children and adults for various head and throat conditions, and allergies are a chief complaint.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranked the 100 most challenging places for allergy sufferers. In 2025, Augusta ranked 12th and metro Atlanta 40th.

“When you talk about allergies and how they lead to sinus issues, this area is one of the hotbeds in the entire country,” Dr. Ryan said.

Common-sense ways to prevent and treat seasonal allergy symptoms

Dr. Ryan recommends that if you have allergies, start preventive medicines two to four weeks before the season when pollen kicks up, using:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) nasal steroids, such as Flonase (fluticasone) and Nasonex (mometasone furoate)
• Oral antihistamines, such as Claritin (loratadine), Zyrtec (cetirizine HCl) and Allegra (fexofenadine)

“Being consistent with these things is most important,” Dr. Ryan said. “You need to do them every day for the maximum benefit.”

Even then, allergy symptoms can break through. In those cases, Dr. Ryan recommends adding:

• Antihistamine eyedrops such as Pataday
• Saline sprays and rinses to wash irritants from your nose and sinuses

Aside from medications, Dr. Ryan described extra steps allergy sufferers can take to reduce their discomfort:

• Check pollen counts daily and limit your time outside when they are high.
• Use HEPA air filters in every room inside your home.
• Service heating and air-conditioning units and change out filters regularly.
• Take off your shoes and possibly change clothing when coming indoors from outside.
• Shower before bedtime to prevent pollen from getting into your bed.

Indoor allergens also stir up symptoms

Another culprit causing allergy symptoms is dust mites. These microscopic, insect-like pests feed on flakes of dead skin or dander shed by humans or pets. A caller on The Weekly Check-Up described having itchy ears at night, which Dr. Ryan said could be caused by an allergy to dust mites.

“We call these year-long or perennial allergies,” he said. “And patients need year-round treatment. Changing your pillows, wrapping your mattress, washing bedding frequently and putting HEPA filters in the room can help.”

Even Dr. Ryan has a routine to prevent discomfort from particles or pollutants that might have crept into his nose. “Before bed, I spray my nose with normal saline to get a moisturizing coating. You can also flush out your nose using a neti pot or other irrigation system,” he said.

“As soon as you lie flat (in bed), all the blood flows to your head, and you’ll get a little more swelling in your nose. We call that nasal cycling. If you’ve already picked up all those irritants over the day, you’re just putting gasoline on a fire.”

Is it allergies, a virus or a bacterial infection?

In peak allergy season, Dr. Ryan’s schedule is full of patients with nasal congestion, runny noses and facial pain and pressure. But not all are suffering from allergies. Some may have a cold or another virus. In rarer cases, they may have a bacterial sinus infection.

“The thing that separates viral infections from allergies is usually fevers and a feeling of malaise,” he said. “Typically, a patient with a bacterial sinus infection has those symptoms plus a heavy yellow or brown nasal drainage.”

Dr. Ryan noted that even in the last case, a provider won’t jump quickly to prescribe antibiotics. “Those symptoms need to last for seven straight days, or you need to get worse over those five to seven days before we start to worry that you need an antibiotic.”

OTC medicines for congestion, cough and pain usually relieve symptoms of viral and bacterial infections. Patients should also drink plenty of fluids and use a saline spray to prevent infection from the buildup of fluids caused by a cold or allergies.

“We have to be very smart about when we give antibiotics,” Dr. Ryan said. Healthcare experts have concerns about the mounting evidence that overuse of antibiotics is breeding “antibiotic resistance.” Bacteria can adapt and evolve, becoming immune to antibiotics. That can become life-threatening if someone has an infection that antibiotics can’t treat.

Find a Wellstar ENT specialist

Allergies are just one of many ear, nose and throat conditions that Dr. Ryan diagnoses and treats. Others include:

• Acid reflux
• Cancers of the head and neck
• Hearing loss
• Sleep apnea

Learn about our ENT services and find a Wellstar doctor near you.