Lung cancer and mesothelioma
Lung cancer is one of the most common and serious types of cancer. There are usually no signs or symptoms in the early stages but symptoms eventually include a persistent cough, coughing up blood and breathlessness.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lining that covers the outer surface of some of the body's organs. It mainly affects the lining of the lungs.
We provide the best possible care for patients who are diagnosed with lung cancer and mesothelioma. We provide support, information, counselling and education to you and your relatives and carers throughout treatment.
A cancer diagnosis has a great impact on patients and carers, physically, emotionally, and psychologically. We aim to provide the highest possible standard of care for all our patients at every stage in their pathway.
More on what we do
Patients with suspected lung cancer are referred to one of our fast-track clinics. Here, the doctor will examine you and might request a number of investigations, including biopsies, scans and ultrasounds.
If you are diagnosed with lung cancer, you will be looked after by one of our specialist nurses. They will help to coordinate your care, from diagnosis to treatment, through to follow-up care. Your nurse will be a familiar face who can provide support for you and your family. They will also provide information on tests, investigation and treatment options, give help and advice on symptom control and act as your link to other professionals and support services.
As part of your treatment, you may require surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.
Treatments
Treatment options will be discussed with you by one of our team but could include:
- Bronchoscopy
- Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
- Pleural effusion
- Minimally-invasive thoracic surgery (MITS)
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- CHART radiotherapy
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
- Indwelling pleural catheters (IPC)
Our team
Our dedicated team is made up of consultant respiratory physicians, consultant clinical oncologists, consultant thoracic surgeons, consultant radiologists and lung cancer specialist nurses.
Consultant respiratory physicians:
- Dr Tom Burden
- Dr Tom Whitehead
- Dr Bip Patel
- Dr Hugh Bakere
Consultant thoracic surgeon:
- Mr Osama Elzain
Consultant oncologists:
- Dr Elizabeth Toy
- Dr Nicole Dorey
- Dr Vicky Ford
- Dr Ian Fraser
Where to find us
RD&E Wonford, Barrack Rd, Exeter EX2 5DW
Contact us
If you would like any advice or support, please contact our specialist nurses on 01392 402168 or rde-tr.LungSpecialistNurses@nhs.net
Helpful websites
Clinics
Fast-track lung cancer clinics: Monday afternoons
Oncology clinics: Monday & Thursday afternoons and Wednesday & Friday mornings
Nurse-led follow up clinics: Tuesday afternoons
General respiratory clinics: Daily
Supporting you
FORCE Cancer Charity works locally to support anyone affected by cancer and will work closely with the people involved in your treatment. Find out more about the support FORCE can offer at forcecancercharity.co.uk.
Health and wellbeing clinics are also offered to patients with a diagnosis of cancer to support you through your pathway. Your nursing team will be able to provide you with more information on the structure and content of these sessions.