University of California Los Angeles Medical Center
When choosing a cancer center at which to receive medical treatment for mesothelioma disease, there are numerous factors that patients would be wise to think about. One of the difficulties faced by mesothelioma patients is that even though the disease can often take many years to develop, once it does appear and has been properly diagnosed, it is almost always in advanced stages. As a result, family physicians and smaller clinics often do not possess the level of knowledge and background needed to ensure the best care for those who have an asbestos-related cancer like malignant mesothelioma. In addition, it's also wise to choose a treatment center run by caring people who are able to explain the treatment alternatives and with whom you feel comfortable. In some cases, the right option may not be located close to your home; if that is the case you will have to offset the inconvenience of having to travel to receive treatment (and the related costs for you and your family) with the benefits of obtaining care from those who are expert in treating patients with mesothelioma cancer.
Of special interest to patients in the Los Angeles area who suffer from asbestos cancer (such as pleural mesothelioma) is the UCLA Medical Center's Jonsson Cancer Center and the institution's Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, which is part of the UCLA Lung Center. Both are under the auspices of the David Geffen School of Medicine.
Jonsson Cancer Center has been designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute, which is the highest possible ranking by the National Cancer Institute. In addition to mesothelioma and lung cancer care, the center offers treatments and research in the following types of cancer:
- gastrointestinal
- genitourinary
- geriatric
- gynecologic
- head and neck
- hematologic (blood, i.e. leukemia)
- liver cancer
- neurologic (brain)
- ophthalmic (eyes)
- orthopaedic
- pediatric
- skin
The Jonsson Center is also home to the UCLA Pain Management Center; medical students also train in psychosocial and preventive oncology as well as radiation and surgical oncology.
The UCLA Lung Center offers treatments for all respiratory disorders, including asbestosis and related conditions. Consultation and ongoing care programs are also available as well as comprehensive pulmonary function testing and smoking cessation counseling.
Contact Information
Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Care Center
200 UCLA Medical Plaza, Suite 120
Los Angeles, CA 90095
(888) 662-8252
Sources
UCLA Lung Center of the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
http://www.lung.med.ucla.edu/clinicalprog.htm
David Geffen School of Medicine Cancer Services
http://dgsom.healthsciences.ucla.edu/institution/groups-detail?group%5fid=13146
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