Round Rock In The News
We are pleased to keep you informed on the latest news related to our practice in Round Rock.
Publication: Community Impact
2/11/2025 - Shaun P. McKenzie, M.D., FACS, Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists–Round Rock and South Austin, shared information on a new, noninvasive treatment for liver tumors called histotripsy. Dr. McKenzie discussed how histotripsy works, why it matters to cancer patients, and the significance in the marketplace, particularly in light of the significant rise in liver cancer incidence in the United States.
Publication: American Journal of Managed Care
12/19/2024 - Histotripsy is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive technique that destroys liver tumors using high-frequency ultrasound waves. Shaun P. McKenzie, M.D., FACS, Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists–Round Rock and South Austin, the first physician to perform this procedure in Austin, spoke with the American Journal of Managed Care to share his insights on this new treatment.
Publication: KXAN (NBC, Austin)
12/3/2024 - Shaun P. McKenzie, M.D., FACS, Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists-Round Rock and South Austin joined KXAN News’ midday team to highlight Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and how the most challenging aspects of diagnosing pancreatic cancer are its vague symptoms.
Publication: Austin American-Statesman
12/3/2024 - Shaun P. McKenzie, M.D., FACS, Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists-Round Rock and South Austin joined an exclusive interview with the Austin American-Statesman to discuss a new non-invasive procedure for liver cancer: histotripsy.
Publication: KXAN-TV (NBC, Austin)
10/20/2024 - Breast density not only makes your risk of developing breast cancer higher, but it also makes it difficult for medical professionals to read and see cancer in your mammograms.Rebecca L. Wiatrek, M.D., FACS, Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists-Austin Central and Round Rock joined KXAN-TV (NBC, Austin) to discuss why it's important to understand how different breast size is, in comparison to breast density and the different stages of breast density.
Publication: Austin American-Statesman
10/6/2024 - After discovering she had BRCA2-positive breast cancer, Alejandra Perez, 35, underwent chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation under the care of Beth Hellerstedt, M.D., medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Round Rock, and Julie M. Sprunt, M.D., FACS, breast surgeon at Texas Breast Specialists–Austin Midtown and Bastrop. Alejandra also encouraged her family to undergo genetic testing, which led to her sister Perla's early-stage diagnosis and treatment. Today, Alejandra and Perla advocate for regular health screenings, hoping to inspire more Hispanic women to prioritize preventive care.
Publication: KVUE-TV (ABC, Austin)
10/1/2024 - In recognition of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, sports radio host Mike “Hardball” Hardge shared his journey with prostate cancer, emphasizing how elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in his blood led to his diagnosis and highlighting the importance of early detection and screening. Michael Herman, M.D., of Texas Oncology–Austin North Radiation Oncology and Round Rock, also joined KVUE-TV to share information about prostate cancer screening and treatment options, and he noted that advancements in prostate cancer care have made it so that many patients can continue living their lives normally while undergoing treatment.
Publication: Austin American-Statesman
9/1/2024 - Scott White has lived in Georgetown for 34 years, where he loves to Texas two-step. He got his first physical in five years after experiencing some unusual urological symptoms, which a PSA test and subsequent MRI revealed to be prostate cancer. With the help of Dr. Tsai and Dr. Herman, he underwent radiation and hormone therapy. Scott says his cancer treatment taught him to have grace for his body and be grateful for all it is capable of. Today, Scott has no evidence of disease; he is now a staunch advocate for regular health screenings and can’t wait to dust off his cowboy boots and get back on the dance floor.
Publication: Austin American-Statesman
3/4/2024 - Fredella Prather, 59, never had a colonoscopy until she was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the fall of 2020. Her diagnosis came shortly after her best friend Trudy lost her own battle with cancer; watching Trudy’s journey gave Fredella strength to persevere and advocate for herself throughout treatment, reminding her to accept help and support from others. Fredella underwent chemotherapy and radiation followed by a robotic-assisted surgery to remove her tumor. Today, her scans are clear, and she advocates for cancer screenings with her friends and family whenever she can.
Publication: Austin Medical Times, Houston Medical Times
3/1/2024 - Scans are an essential part of cancer treatment and survivorship care, so recognizing and managing scanxiety is essential to help patients get the care they need. Shaun P. McKenzie, M.D., FACS, Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists–Round Rock and South Austin and Antonio Nathan Villamor III, M.D., colorectal surgeon, Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists–Pasadena, explain that while colonoscopies often have a reputation for being stressful, painful, or embarrassing, this common procedure is usually quick and can be done under different types of anesthesia.