Drs.
Alicia McKelvey and Michael J.
Walker
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The Comprehensive Lung Cancer Program of the Bryn
Mawr Hospital Cancer Center is dedicated to improving the survival
and quality of life for our lung cancer patients. We accomplish this
through an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to care. Our program
incorporates strategies for prevention, accurate and early diagnosis,
and effective treatment tactics.
About Lung Cancer
Smoking cigarettes continues to be the leading cause of lung cancer,
followed by environmental exposures such as radon gas, air pollution and
second-hand smoke. According to the American Cancer Society, an
estimated 171,900 new cases of lung cancer were diagnosed in 2003. More
people in the U.S. die from lung cancer than from any other type of
cancer. In 2005 (the most recent year for which statistics are
available) lung cancer accounted for more deaths in the U.S. than did
breast, prostate and colorectal cancers combined.
Diagnosis
Patient outcomes are enhanced when lung cancer is detected early. The
doctors at Bryn Mawr Hospital use the most
sophisticated techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) scanning,
which can detect lung tumors as small as a grain of rice. In addition,
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fiber optic bronchoscopy with specimen
collection, and positron-emission tomography (PET) scanning provide
physicians with state-of-the-art technology to accurately diagnose
disease. Fine-needle aspiration, with or without CT or fluoroscopic
guidance, is also available. Investigational techniques are also
available and include the use of laser-induced fluorescence bronchoscopy
and novel imaging technologies.
Treatment
Patients with lung and other thoracic cancers (cancers of the chest
cavity) require close and effective coordination throughout their
treatment. Bryn Mawr Hospital’s Comprehensive Lung Cancer Program
combines the skills of many specialists to ensure coordinated care, good
communication and an aggressive approach to treatment. A range of
problems are addressed, including:
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Recurrent lung cancer
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Mesothelioma (cancer of the lung lining)
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Thymoma (a tumor of the thymus)
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Malignant effusions (accumulations of fluid)
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Lung metastases
A variety of medical and surgical treatment options are available for
thoracic cancers. Medical options, such as chemotherapy and radiation
therapy, are provided by board certified and experienced physicians.
Surgical techniques in the treatment of lung cancer include
state-of-the-art care such as video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), a
minimally invasive procedure that offers several benefits to the
patient, including shortened recovery time. Bryn Mawr Hospital is one of
a few centers in the Philadelphia area that use this advanced method.
Follow-up care is incorporated into the treatment plan. Referring
physicians are kept informed of their patients' progress through ongoing
communication.
Multidisciplinary Care Conference
At the core of our program is a multidisciplinary care conference where
our team of experts reviews patient cases. Specialists in pulmonary
medicine, medical oncology, thoracic surgery, radiation oncology,
radiology, pathology and clinical research come together to offer each
patient the best possible approach. The multidisciplinary care
conference addresses the following issues:
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Treatment options
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Individual management plans
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Pain control
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Research trial options
Research
Main Line Health's Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) comprises
the cancer centers of Lankenau, Paoli and Bryn Mawr hospitals. Main Line
Health is one of only 50 centers in the U.S. to hold this prestigious
National Cancer Institute designation. Through the Main Line Health
CCOP, Bryn Mawr Hospital offers the community access to the most current
research available in cancer prevention and treatment. Phase II and III
lung cancer treatment trials for both small-cell and non-small-cell lung
cancer, as well as an array of supportive therapy and prevention trials
(including research for pleural effusions, pain management and smoking
cessation), are available.
Supportive Services
The supportive services of the Comprehensive Lung Cancer Program at Bryn
Mawr Hospital include:
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Individual and group counseling by a dedicated oncology social
worker
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Nutritional service provided by registered dieticians
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SmokeFREE, a self-management smoking cessation program that
addresses the physical and psychological addiction to smoking
