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Lung Cancer Clinic
Each year more than 200,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer. However, despite the serious nature of lung cancer, the prognosis for beating it is much better than it was even five years ago, thanks to early detection efforts and new treatment strategies.
Esophageal Cancer Clinic
Esophageal cancer accounts for more than 16,000 new cases each year. Thanks to improved treatments and early intervention, the survival rates for esophageal cancer have improved greatly since the 1960s when only a small percentage of people with the disease survived more than five years.
Mesothelioma Clinic
Most mesotheliomas begin in the chest cavity. Though fairly rare, there are still about 2,000 to 3,000 new cases each year, primarily in men over 65. Early detection and intervention by doctors at the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute's thoracic program is essential in treating the disease.
Lung Nodule Clinic
The presence of lung nodules does not automatically signal that you have cancer. Benign nodules can actually be quite common. To ensure that the nodules aren't cancerous, doctors at FHCI will monitor changes in size, shape or appearance through regular tests.
Uncommon Malignancies Clinic
Rare forms of cancer include carcinoid tumors, mediastinal tumors and thymoma. Each of these presents unique challenges that doctors at the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute address with a broad range of traditional and leading edge treatment strategies.
Who We Are
Joseph Boyer, MD
Learn more about the role of the thoracic surgeon in the treatment of thoracic cancer.
Tarek Mekhail, MD
Learn more about the role of the medical oncologist in the treatment of thoracic cancer.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
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Send to friendThe symptoms of mesothelioma are often similar to those of other less serious diseases. For instance, the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma can often be mistaken for influenza or pneumonia. Conversely, symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma can be similar to that of other cardiac conditions.
If you have a history of exposure to asbestos and have any of the following symptoms, you should see your doctor and discuss your concerns. Even if you have no noticeable symptoms yet, your doctor may want to have you undergo regular chest x-rays or other tests to monitor your condition.
Symptoms vary by the type of mesothelioma you have.
Pleural mesothelioma symptoms
Approximately two thirds of all mesothelioma cases begin in the pleural lining of the lungs.
- A persistent dry or raspy cough
- Coughing up blood
- Difficulty swallowing
- Night sweats
- Fever
- Fatigue
- An unexplained weight loss of 10% or more
- Shortness of breath, even at rest
- Lumps under the skin on the chest
Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms
Accounting for less than 5% of all cases, this form of cancer begins in the lining of the heart. Because it is so rare, it is the most difficult form of mesothelioma to diagnose and treat.
- Heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat
- Chest pains
- Difficulty breathing, even at rest
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Generalized fatigue
What Causes Mesothelioma
By far, the majority of cases (approximately 80 to 90%) are due to extended exposure to asbestos. While asbestos is a natural occurring fibrous substance, its extensive use in manufacturing until the mid 1970s exposed millions of workers unknowingly to asbestos fibers.
Often, symptoms don't show up until later in life. So, those exposed to asbestos in their workplace will want to be more proactive in seeing a doctor regularly. If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, the professionals at the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute's Mesothelioma Clinic will be happy to discuss treatment options with you and provide more rigorous testing to determine the extent and stage of the disease. Contact us now to schedule an appointment with Florida Hospital Cancer Institute.
