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The Arizona Cancer Center at University Medical Center is now one of a few oncology clinics in the nation to offer minimally invasive thoracic surgery, with the addition of Shari L. Meyerson, MD.
Dr. Meyerson, assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at The University of Arizona College of Medicine, is a non-cardiac thoracic surgeon who cares for patients with cancer involving the lungs, airways, esophagus and other structures in the chest. She comes from Duke University, where she developed a special interest in minimally invasive procedures for the removal of thoracic tumors. Instead of the traditional large incision and rib spreading or removal to perform lung surgery, minimally invasive procedures are performed through two small incisions without rib spreading. A camera is inserted between the ribs to help with visualization. This reduces both the amount of postoperative pain and the length of hospital stay required. It is proven to be as effective as traditional surgery in removing cancer. |
Dr. Meyerson also uses minimally invasive procedures to ease the discomfort and improve the quality of life of patients who have been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer that cannot be removed by surgery.
Dr. Meyerson believes the keys to treatment of lung cancer are prevention and early diagnosis. She actively works with patients and community organizations to get the message out about the dangers of smoking -- especially to children. She also works with her patients to help them quit smoking with methods such as nicotine replacement, medications and counseling.
Dr. Meyerson's research focuses on differences in the behavior of lung cancer in men and women. She currently is studying the psychosocial factors surrounding the diagnosis of lung cancer and trying to identify barriers to early diagnosis which may vary by gender.
For appointments with Dr. Meyerson, please contact her office at 520-626-6339.
