The Lung Cancer MultiDisciplinary Team

The Lung Cancer Multi Disciplinary Team (MDT) is made up of health professionals whose speciality is in treating and supporting people with lung cancer. The exact make up of the team will vary depending on where you live, but should include a chest physician, an oncologist, lung cancer nurse specialist, thoracic surgeon, radiologist and histopathologist. The team meets once a week 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 that should then be discussed with you. It also means that you would 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 who attend every week. 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 doctor)
  Provides expertise in the non-surgical treatment of cancer including chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
• Lung Cancer Nurse Specialist
  Offers specialist lung cancer information and support to patients and their families. Can be contacted directly.
• Thoracic surgeon (chest 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 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 Health Professionals who may be involved in your care. If you feel that you need to see anyone in 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. Is also a contact between you and your GP.
• Occupational therapist
  Provides advice in adapting your lifestyle with a view to saving your energy whilst still being active. Can also advise on equipment to help you or alterations to your home.
• Dietitian
  Provides expert advice to patients and carers about balanced diets. 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.