The Lung Cancer Multi Disciplinary Team (MDT) is made up of healthcare professionals whose specialty is treating and supporting people with lung cancer.
The team meets regularly to discuss cases of lung cancer. Your case will be presented by a doctor or lung cancer nurse specialist who knows you and a decision is made on the management plan which should then be discussed with you. It also means that you will then be referred to the right specialist who will be able to provide your treatment.
It is always worth asking if your case has been discussed at an MDT. If it hasn't then you may not be receiving the best information and therefore the best treatment options for you.
You should ask for your case to be discussed at a Lung Cancer MDT. The Lung Cancer MDT consists of core members, these are:
Chest / Respiratory physician - Performs tests such as bronchoscopies and chest x-rays with a view to diagnosing lung cancer. Also, often the doctor who initially co-ordinates the cancer pathway.
- Oncologist (Cancer Specialist) - Provides expertise in the non-surgical treatment of cancer including chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
- Lung Cancer Nurse Specialist (LCNS) - Offers specialist lung cancer information and support to patients and their families. Can be contacted directly.
- Thoracic Surgeon - Performs surgery to the chest, including removal of part or whole lung, staging and symptom management.
- Radiologist - Performs radiolological investigations such as CT scans, PET, MRI and bone scans
- Histopathologist - Examines biopsy samples and other samples to determine the type of cancer
- Palliative Care Team - Specialists in managing symptoms from the disease
There are other healthcare professionals who may be involved in your care. If you feel that you need to see anyone on this list you could contact your Lung Cancer Nurse Specialist or GP for referral.
- GP - your local GP is pivotal in your ongoing care
- District nurse - visits you at home, to assess how you are keeping and provide practical help such as changing wound dressings. The district nurse is also a point of contact between you and your GP.
- Occupational Therapist (OT) - provides advice in adapting your lifestyle with a view to saving your energy whilst still being active. The OT can also advise on equipment to help you or alterations to your home.
- Dietitian - provides expert advice to patients and carers about balanced diets. The dietitian can also assess your need for any dietary or vitamin supplements.
- Physiotherapist - helps you to maintain or improve your mobility and breathing technique.
- Social Worker - advises and helps with benefits/welfare rights, homecare, daycare, childcare and family relationships.
- Radiographer - administers and provides information on radiotherapy treatments.
- Clinical Psychologist - helps with a wide variety of problems, such as: anxiety, depression and relationship problems.