Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Mesothelioma: Fighting the Deadly Disease

Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Mesothelioma. We understand that receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming and traumatic, but we are here to help you understand everything you need to know about Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a rare but deadly cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring fiber commonly used in the construction industry, shipyards, and other industrial settings.

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, located in Buffalo, New York, is one of the world’s leading healthcare facilities in the fight against mesothelioma. The center is dedicated to providing patients with the latest and most advanced cancer treatments, including mesothelioma care.

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about mesothelioma treatment at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, including the latest research and clinical trials, patient resources, and much more.

The Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Mesothelioma Program

The Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Mesothelioma Program is a specialized program that provides patients with personalized care and treatment for mesothelioma. The program is led by a team of experienced physicians, surgeons, and researchers who are dedicated to developing innovative treatments and improving patient outcomes.

The program offers a comprehensive range of treatment options for mesothelioma, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and clinical trials. The goal of the program is to provide patients with the most effective treatment options that are tailored to their unique needs and medical history.

The Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Mesothelioma Program is also committed to providing patients with comprehensive support services, such as counseling, support groups, and patient education. The program strives to help patients and their families cope with the challenges of mesothelioma and improve their overall quality of life.

Surgery

Surgery is often the first line of treatment for mesothelioma. The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the cancerous tissue as possible, while preserving healthy tissue and organs. At Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, surgeons are experienced in performing a range of surgical procedures for mesothelioma, including:

Surgical Procedure Description
Pleurectomy Decortication (PD) A procedure to remove the lining of the lungs and any visible tumors
Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP) A procedure to remove the lung, lining of the lung, and diaphragm on one side of the body
Peritonectomy and HIPEC A procedure to remove the lining of the abdomen and any visible tumors, followed by heated chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells

Surgery can have risks and side effects, so it is important to discuss all options and potential outcomes with your healthcare team before deciding on a course of action.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. At Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, radiation therapy is delivered using advanced techniques that target cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

Some of the radiation therapy techniques used for mesothelioma at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center include:

Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

IMRT is a type of radiation therapy that uses beams of radiation that can be shaped to match the shape of the tumor. This allows radiation to be delivered to the tumor while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)

IGRT is a type of radiation therapy that uses imaging technology, such as X-rays or CT scans, to guide the delivery of radiation therapy. This allows for more precise targeting of the tumor.

Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy

Chemotherapy and immunotherapy use drugs to kill cancer cells and boost the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center offers a range of chemotherapy and immunotherapy options for mesothelioma, including:

Systemic Chemotherapy

Systemic chemotherapy involves administering chemotherapy drugs through an IV, which allows the drugs to travel throughout the body and kill cancer cells.

Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy involves administering chemotherapy drugs directly into the abdomen, which allows for higher doses of drugs to be delivered to the area where the cancer is located.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy drugs work by boosting the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center offers a range of immunotherapy options for mesothelioma, including checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, and vaccines.

FAQs

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare but deadly cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring fiber commonly used in the construction industry, shipyards, and other industrial settings.

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the location of the cancer. Common symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue, abdominal pain, and swelling in the abdomen.

How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

Mesothelioma is diagnosed through a combination of imaging tests, such as X-rays and CT scans, and biopsy. A biopsy involves removing a tissue sample from the affected area and examining it under a microscope to determine if cancer is present.

What are the treatment options for mesothelioma?

Treatment options for mesothelioma include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and clinical trials. The best course of treatment will depend on the location and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and medical history.

What is the prognosis for mesothelioma?

The prognosis for mesothelioma can vary depending on the location and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and medical history. Survival rates for mesothelioma can range from a few months to several years.

What is Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center?

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is a leading healthcare facility located in Buffalo, New York. The center is dedicated to providing patients with the latest and most advanced cancer treatments, including mesothelioma care.

What makes Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center unique?

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is unique because it offers patients access to cutting-edge research and clinical trials, as well as personalized care and support services. The center is committed to advancing cancer research and improving patient outcomes.

How can I make an appointment at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center?

To make an appointment at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, you can call the center’s phone number or visit the center’s website to fill out an appointment request form.

What should I expect during my first appointment at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center?

During your first appointment at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, you can expect to undergo a thorough evaluation to determine the best course of treatment for your mesothelioma. You will likely undergo imaging tests, such as X-rays and CT scans, and meet with a team of healthcare professionals to discuss your options and answer your questions.

What resources are available for patients at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center?

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center offers a ran
ge of resources for patients, including counseling, support groups, and patient education. The center also has a patient portal that allows patients to access their medical records and communicate with their healthcare team.

What is the cost of treatment at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center?

The cost of treatment at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center can vary depending on the type of treatment and the patient’s insurance coverage. The center accepts most major insurance plans and has a financial assistance program for eligible patients.

What should I do if I have been diagnosed with mesothelioma?

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to seek out medical treatment as soon as possible. You should also consider seeking legal advice to determine if you are eligible for compensation for your illness.

How can I support mesothelioma research?

You can support mesothelioma research by donating to organizations like the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation or participating in fundraising events. Your support can help advance mesothelioma research and improve patient outcomes.

What can I do to reduce my risk of mesothelioma?

To reduce your risk of mesothelioma, it is important to avoid exposure to asbestos. This can involve taking precautions in the workplace, such as wearing protective gear and following safety protocols. It is also important to avoid products that may contain asbestos, such as insulation and ceiling tiles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is a world-renowned healthcare facility that provides patients with the latest and most advanced cancer treatments, including mesothelioma care. The center’s specialized mesothelioma program offers personalized care and treatment options that are tailored to patients’ unique needs and medical histories.

We hope this guide has provided you with valuable information about mesothelioma treatment at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, we encourage you to reach out to the center to learn more about your treatment options and access the support services available to you.

Closing

We hope that our comprehensive guide on Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Mesothelioma has provided you with valuable information on this rare and deadly cancer. It is important for patients and their families to be well-informed about mesothelioma and the available treatment options.

Remember, seeking medical treatment as soon as possible is crucial in improving your chances of survival. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, don’t hesitate to reach out to Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center for help.

Finally, we want to stress the importance of taking preventative measures to reduce your risk of mesothelioma, such as avoiding exposure to asbestos in the workplace and other settings.