Breathing Life into Lung Transplant Research!
We have a new mailing address!
Lung Transplant Foundation
1249 Kildaire Farm Road, #323
Cary, NC 27511
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What are the risks for squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma for lung transplant recipients? As we continue to recognize Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we reached out to Susan Guo, MD, radiation oncology at the New Mexico Cancer Center, to answer a few questions.
Q: What’s new in the field of lung transplant and skin cancer?
A: Lung transplant patients are at risk of both squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma due to being on long-term immunosuppression. Transplant patients should be monitored closely by a skin doctor. Superficial radiation therapy is a novel way of delivering radiation therapy to only the skin, without damage to deeper organs. This treatment directs energy to destroy cancer cells without bleeding or scarring. The radiation therapy is targeted and spread out over a course of 8-12 treatments, lasts only several minutes, and is painless.
Q: What is the one thing you wished lung transplant patients knew about skin cancer?
A: Lung transplant patients are at risk of both squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma due to being on long-term immunosuppression. Transplant patients should be monitored closely by a skin doctor and do self exams. The American Academy of Dermatology provides online information and tutorials on skin self-examination and early detection of skin cancer. Skin cancers are typically treated successfully when detected early.
We’ve had some good response to our “call for caregivers,” but we still need more caregiver mentors! We’re specifically seeking caregivers that have experience with Interstitial lung disease lung disease (ILD) and Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Please use this link to apply and our Mentorship Director will contact you. lungtransplantfoundation.org/mentorship-application-caregiver/
Another way to help out is to donate to support our Mentorship Program. lungtransplantfoundation.org/donate/