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Lung cancer is a complicated disease that requires well-coordinated care — from the surgeon to the oncologist to the radiation oncologist to the pulmonologist to the nutritionist and more. Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Cancer Center provides that comprehensive, multidisciplinary care. We know that treating cancer requires a team that understands the disease process and has access to the latest treatment approaches. Our general thoracic surgeons are an integral part of the Cancer Center team, bringing you state-of-the-science treatments and technology, all in one place.
One example of that multidisciplinary team approach is the tumor board, a group of specialists that meets weekly to discuss specific cases. The thoracic (chest) tumor board includes thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, radiologists, hematologist/oncologists, radiation oncologists and more. The tumor board reviews and discusses cases in order to develop a consensus opinion on the best treatment plan for the patient. While not every patient’s case is reviewed, physicians may choose to bring any patient’s case to the tumor board. Through the tumor board, patients can receive the advice of several specialists without having to see each one individually.
Lung cancer is often first detected as a spot on the lung, and many patients come to us as a first step, either to identify whether that spot is cancer or to begin their treatment with surgery. While surgery may be one of the first courses of action in treating lung cancer, our patients don’t leave our care when the surgery is over. Even after our patients have begun other phases of their cancer treatment, our surgeons follow up with them for up to five years to guard against any recurrence or other problems.
Besides offering high quality, multidisciplinary care, the Cancer Center offers a philosophy of care that creates a clinical and support “hub” around each patient. That means patients have one contact person, a registered nurse, who they know to call with whatever questions they may have, whether it’s about their incision, their appetite, their medications or anything related to their care.
Our general thoracic surgery department can provide whatever surgical treatment or diagnostics our patients need. Whether it is via traditional open surgery or using minimally invasive techniques such as the thoracoscope or the da Vinci® robotic surgical system, we offer the entire spectrum of surgeries to diagnose and treat thoracic cancers. Through the Cancer Center, we’re able to offer the latest studies and experimental treatment options, even for advanced diseases. And with all our resources in one place, you just won’t find better coordinated care than here at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Author: Joan Cotter Pike Date: Nov. 30, 2006 |
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