What is the UAB Mesothelioma Clinic?

The UAB Mesothelioma Clinic is a component of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, which provides complete care for mesothelioma patients, including diagnosis, treatment and supportive care services. The Clinic is committed to improving the outlook for mesothelioma patients through novel clinical trials and the education of patients about the disease. The Mesothelioma Clinic Director, Francisco Robert, M.D., is a Medical Oncologist with specific expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer and mesothelioma.

 What does the Mesothelioma Clinic provide?    

  Dr. Robert has a team of Cancer Center staff with expertise in surgery, radiation therapy, pathology, radiology, social services, and nursing who are available to provide their special expertise as appropriate. Dr. Robert provides the initial patient assessment and consultation with appropriate review of pathology slides and x-rays, confirmation of the diagnosis, selection of additional studies if needed and recommendations for treatment and supportive care. Depending on the extent of disease and the patient's general health, treatments may include surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy. It is important that patients consider participating in a clinical trial, which may make additional treatments available. Supportive care may be an important component in the management of mesothelioma patients.           

   What is Mesothelioma?  Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer in which cells of the mesothelium (the membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs) become abnormal, form tumors and grow without control or order. The disease usually affects the surface of the lung or less commonly the lining of the abdomen. The disease is relatively uncommon, with 2,500 to 3,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States each year.  

  Are there specific risk factors for developing mesothelioma?  Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. Approximately 80% of mesothelioma is associated with asbestos exposure - specifically occupational asbestos exposure. However, the disease has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos.