Finding expert Wyoming mesothelioma treatment and doctors is a challenge. With such a sparse population, the state does not have major cancer centers. There are a few treatment facilities, but those best equipped to treat mesothelioma patients are in large cities in neighboring states.
Wyoming Cancer Centers
There are several cancer treatment centers in Wyoming, but they are not very large and do not offer comprehensive services. These facilities have physicians on staff who can treat mesothelioma but no specialists. If you have a diagnosis of mesothelioma and are not a candidate for surgery, these cancer centers may be able to help you.
Cheyenne Regional Cancer Services
Located in Cheyenne, this hospital has a cancer department that offers treatment for several types of cancer. The main types of treatment available here are chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The lung cancer team may be able to help patients with pleural mesothelioma who do not need surgery.[1]
The support staff here also offers important services for patients and their families. These include counseling and social work, massage therapy, nutritional counseling, a chaplain service, educational materials, and a meditation room.[1]
Wyoming Medical Center
The Wyoming Medical Center has several locations in the state. It offers cancer treatment through regional partners, including Rocky Mountain Oncology and Wyoming Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery. The latter offers surgical treatments for pleural mesothelioma.[2]
Patients with any type of mesothelioma can benefit from chemotherapy and other systemic treatments, radiation therapy, and support services. These include massage therapy, physical therapy, yoga therapy, acupuncture, and support groups.[2]
Meredith and Jeannie Ray Cancer Center
The Meredith and Jeannie Ray Cancer Center at Ivinson Memorial Hospital offers medical and radiation oncology services in Laramie. Physicians here provide personalized treatment plans and a range of advanced types of radiation therapy. Support services include nutritional counseling, rehabilitation, support groups, family support, integrative medicine, and education and resources.[3]
Cancer Centers in Neighboring States
Consider some world-class facilities in nearby states for more specialized care, access to more clinical trials, and consultation with experts in mesothelioma. The University of Colorado Cancer Center in Aurora, Colorado, can treat both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. This includes HIPEC, the innovative treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma.
The Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah, also has excellent options for mesothelioma patients. This includes specialists in HIPEC and peritoneal mesothelioma. Huntsman has a Peritoneal Malignancy Program with experts in treating these kinds of cancer.
Physicians Treating Mesothelioma in Wyoming
Wyoming does not have any specialists in mesothelioma or physicians who have trained for this rare cancer. However, there are many capable physicians who can help patients living with mesothelioma:[4][5][6]
- Maristela Batezini, M.D. Dr. Batezini is an oncologist and hematologist at Cheyenne Regional. She puts patients at the center of her work and provides individualized treatment plans.
- Kenneth Richards, M.D. Dr. Richards is a thoracic surgeon with Banner Health. He sees patients at Banner Health Clinic in Casper.
- John Purviance, M.D. Dr. Purviance is a radiation oncologist. He treats patients at Ivinson Memorial Hospital in Laramie.
Clinical Trials in Wyoming
With limited cancer research in the state, there are currently no clinical trials recruiting mesothelioma patients with Wyoming locations. This could change at any time, and local patients can travel to nearby states to participate in trials.
A clinical trial is an opportunity to try a new treatment. For patients with cancers like mesothelioma with limited treatment options, this means hope for a better outcome. However, there are risks, too. Clinical trials are generally safe, but adverse reactions could occur.
Before you decide to enroll in a clinical trial, talk to your medical team about whether you qualify. Discuss the possible benefits and the risks. Then talk to your loved ones to determine if this is the right step to take.
Wyoming has limited specialists and treatment options for mesothelioma, but there are excellent cancer centers and physicians. They can provide you with care or direct you to a nearby cancer center better equipped to treat this rare cancer.
