CHI Health Clinic – Henry Lynch Cancer Center

Mesothelioma Care at Henry Lynch Cancer Center

People diagnosed with mesothelioma receive expert care at CHI Health Henry Lynch Cancer Center. Multidisciplinary team members collaborate to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient’s diagnosis and health needs. The cancer center provides comprehensive care for both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma.

Patients benefit from access to advanced surgical techniques and experienced specialists. The Omaha location serves Nebraska families and patients from nearby states.

Beyond mesothelioma treatment, the cancer center offers comprehensive support services. Nurse navigators coordinate care throughout the treatment journey and social workers help patients access resources. The Renewed Hope Boutique provides wigs, scarves, hats and prosthetics for appearance changes. Support groups and counseling services address emotional challenges.

Surgical Treatment Options at Henry Lynch

CHI Health Henry Lynch Cancer Center offers advanced surgical treatments for both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, including pleurectomy/decortication and cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC. These procedures require hospital stays of about 7 to 10 days. Surgical teams monitor recovery closely and work with medical oncologists to coordinate any additional treatments needed.

Dr. Erin Gillaspie, chief of thoracic surgery, performs pleurectomy/decortication for pleural mesothelioma. This procedure removes the chest lining, outer lung lining and affected tissue from the diaphragm and heart sac. Dr. Gillaspie uses robotic surgical techniques for precision. She brought this surgery to Nebraska, eliminating the need for patients to travel out of state.

The surgical oncology team treats peritoneal mesothelioma through the Peritoneal Neoplastic Disease program. Surgeons perform cytoreductive surgery to remove visible tumors from the abdominal cavity. They then deliver heated chemotherapy directly into the abdomen during the same operation. This approach allows higher doses of chemo to reach cancer cells while minimizing effects on the rest of the body.

Multimodal Treatment at Henry Lynch

CHI Health Henry Lynch Cancer Center combines multiple treatment approaches for mesothelioma. These therapies often work in conjunction with surgery as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Advanced imaging helps with mesothelioma diagnosis and monitoring. CT/PET scans help physicians track disease progression and treatment response. Radiation oncologists use precision tools like TrueBeam linear accelerators to deliver targeted radiation therapy. These systems minimize damage to healthy tissue surrounding tumors.

Medical oncologists use immunotherapy to reduce treatment impact on healthy cells. Immunotherapy drugs like Keytruda help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Keytruda is often paired with traditional chemotherapy to improve treatment outcomes. Oncology nurses work with patients to manage side effects and monitor treatment response.

Henry Lynch Cancer Center Accreditations and Distinctions

CHI Health Henry Lynch Cancer Center holds Network Accreditation with commendation from the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer. This designation recognizes cancer programs that meet rigorous standards for prevention, diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care quality.

Multiple CHI Health facilities including Bergan Mercy, Immanuel and Creighton University Medical Center have earned American College of Radiology accreditation for radiation oncology. This accreditation confirms these facilities meet national standards for equipment, personnel qualifications and quality assurance in radiation treatment.

The cancer center operates at multiple Omaha locations as part of CHI Health, a nonprofit health system serving Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas with more than 150 facilities. Henry Lynch Cancer Center combines advanced cancer treatment with comprehensive support services for people with mesothelioma throughout the region.