Recently Anne Tsao, M.D., Director of the Mesothelioma Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center, was interviewed on Patient Power, an online radio program sponsored by MD Anderson and hosted by a former patient, Andrew Shore. Also on the program was Kathy Evans, a 54-year-old woman from Lumberton, TX who learned she had mesothelioma in 2008.
Mesothelioma, a rare asbestos cancer of the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are common to other ailments, such as the flu. There are approximately 3000 new cases of mesothelioma in the United States annually.
Given only 6 months to live, Ms. Evans asked to go to MD Anderson as soon as she learned her diagnosis. Her primary physician from Anderson, Dr. Tsao, explained why this request was a very good idea.
MD Anderson Cancer Center has a program specifically for mesothelioma patients, and they have ongoing clinical trials in all settings. Additionally, they have a very large translational program actively investigating new targets for therapy, as well as over 30 physicians from all multidisciplinary groups (surgery, radiation oncology, pulmonary, thoracic oncology, radiology) who specialize in mesothelioma treatment.
There are two main types of surgery to remove tumors. One is the pleurectomy decortication, which debulks the tumor and peels it off the lung. Many surgeons are familiar with this procedure because it is also performed on lung cancer patients.
The second surgery, extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), is major surgery that should only be performed by an experienced mesothelioma surgeon. Dr. David Rice performed Ms. Evans’ surgery. This surgery, which can take many hours, removes the tumor, lung and lining around the heart and portions of diaphragm. After removal, these areas must be reconstructed. It is also important to have a radiology oncologist who knows how to treat mesothelioma as part of your post surgery care.
Dr. Tsao believes the best chance for improving the life of a mesothelioma patient is not only early and accurate diagnosis, but evaluation and treatment by a major cancer center with mesothelioma programs. For example, because of the multiple mesothelioma clinical studies presently underway at MD Anderson, Ms. Evans was able to participate in one that helped her live beyond the original 6 month life expectancy originally diagnosed.
Ms. Evans knows that her mesothelioma is not curable but is thankful that she went to MD Anderson and had the opportunity to participate not only in the clinical trial, but received care from expert mesothelioma doctors such as Dr. Tsao and Dr. Rice.
Dr. Tsao stated that in addition to getting an early and accurate diagnosis for mesothelioma, the following are also important:
- Annual check-ups.
- See your doctor immediately if chronic symptoms occur, such as coughing or chest pain.
- If fluid buildup in the chest occurs, getting a thoracentesis is important, as well as having the fluid checked for cancer or infection.
If there is any hint that the diagnosis is cancer, Dr. Tsao recommends going to a major cancer center for evaluation. She stated that large multidisciplinary cancer programs provide the best treatment for patients. She warned that having treatments performed before going to a cancer center can prevent a patient from entering a clinical trial that may have provided better treatment.
Mesothelioma is not curable, but there are some measures that can be taken to perhaps extend and improve your life. For more information, contact one of our mesothelioma family advocates or visit our mesothelioma cancer centers page to help you learn about major cancer centers in your area.
Reference: M. D. Anderson Presents Patient Power – June 9, 2009
