Choosing a doctor after a mesothelioma diagnosis is an important decision. Mesothelioma is rare, and you want a specialist with real-world experience treating it. Your care team may include a mesothelioma specialist, surgeon, oncologist, or several specialists working together.
A mesothelioma specialist is a doctor with extensive experience diagnosing or treating mesothelioma. Depending on the patient’s needs, that specialist may be a surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, or another type of cancer doctor.
When comparing doctors, consider more than a specialist’s title or where they work. Look at the doctor’s specific experience with mesothelioma, the treatments they perform or recommend, and whether their approach fits your diagnosis.
Learn more about how to choose a mesothelioma specialist, surgeon, or oncologist and what to consider as you compare your options.
What Type of Doctor Treats Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a complex cancer that often requires care from several types of doctors. Because the disease can affect different parts of the body and treatment may involve a combination of approaches, patients are often treated by a multidisciplinary team rather than a single doctor.
Some of the mesothelioma doctors patients may need during treatment include:
- Gastroenterologist: A doctor who specializes in the digestive system. Gastroenterologists may be involved when mesothelioma affects the abdomen, particularly in patients with peritoneal mesothelioma.
- Medical oncologist: A doctor who specializes in treating cancer with medicines, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies, and oversees a patient’s therapies throughout their care.
- Palliative care specialist: A doctor who focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life during cancer treatment. Palliative care may address pain, breathing problems, fatigue, nausea, and other effects of mesothelioma or its treatment.
- Pathologist: A doctor who examines tissue and fluid samples under a microscope to identify cancer cells and determine the type of mesothelioma. Pathologists play an important role in confirming a diagnosis.
- Pulmonologist: A doctor who specializes in diseases of the lungs and respiratory system. A pulmonologist may help evaluate breathing problems, perform diagnostic procedures, and manage respiratory symptoms associated with pleural mesothelioma.
- Radiation oncologist: A cancer specialist who uses radiation therapy to destroy or control cancer cells. Doctors may use radiation to treat mesothelioma tumors, help relieve symptoms, or reduce the risk of cancer returning in certain circumstances.
- Radiologist: A doctor who interprets imaging tests such as CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans. Radiologists help identify tumors and other abnormalities and can help doctors determine how far the cancer has spread.
- Thoracic surgeon: A surgeon who specializes in operations involving the chest, including the lungs and the lining around the lungs. Thoracic surgeons may perform procedures to remove mesothelioma tumors or affected tissue in patients with pleural mesothelioma.
The doctors involved in your care can change as your disease and treatment needs change. Some patients may need only a few specialists, while others may work with a larger multidisciplinary team.
Because mesothelioma is rare, you should seek care from health care providers with experience treating the disease. Our Patient Advocates can help you find an experienced mesothelioma specialist and compare your options through our Free Doctor Match service.
When to See a Specialist for Mesothelioma
You should see a doctor if you develop symptoms that could be associated with mesothelioma, particularly if you have a history of asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma symptoms can develop decades after exposure and may initially resemble more common conditions.
You should see a mesothelioma doctor:
- After a mesothelioma diagnosis: Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma should work with their medical team to determine the appropriate treatment and follow-up care in a timely manner.
- After known asbestos exposure: Tell your doctor about your past asbestos exposure, even if it occurred decades ago. This helps your doctor decide whether you need more testing or monitoring.
- When imaging tests show an abnormality: Your doctor may order more tests if a chest X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or other imaging test shows something abnormal.
- When mesothelioma is suspected: Your doctor may refer you to specialists for imaging, a biopsy, or other tests to confirm or rule out mesothelioma.
- When symptoms persist or worsen: Make an appointment if symptoms such as unexplained chest or abdominal pain, breathing problems, or abdominal swelling linger or get worse.
Talk with a doctor if symptoms don’t go away or don’t have a clear cause, especially if you may have been exposed to asbestos.
How to Find a Mesothelioma Doctor
Finding an experienced mesothelioma specialist is an important part of creating your care plan after a diagnosis. Because this cancer is rare and treatment can be complex, you should look for doctors who regularly treat the disease and have experience with your specific type of mesothelioma.
Remember these strategies while choosing a mesothelioma specialist:
- Review each doctor’s credentials: Look at each potential doctor’s specialty, board certification, training, years in practice, and professional affiliations to understand their background and mesothelioma expertise.
- Look at the specialized cancer center: Find out whether a nearby center has a dedicated mesothelioma, thoracic oncology, or other specialized cancer program. Consider whether it offers complex surgery, clinical trials, and the types of specialists you may need.
- Ask how often they treat mesothelioma: Because the disease is rare, ask directly how many mesothelioma patients the doctor sees and how frequently they perform treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy.
- Understand who will actually treat you: A doctor may lead your case without personally performing every part of your treatment. Ask who will perform surgery, administer treatment, review pathology, and manage follow-up care, so you know what to expect during treatment.
- Think about practical access to care: Consider travel time, appointment availability, treatment schedules, insurance, and whether you can realistically complete the recommended treatment at your chosen center.
- Pay attention to the consultation: Notice whether the doctor answers your questions, explains uncertainty honestly, and gives you enough information to make decisions rather than rushing you through the appointment. You should feel comfortable asking questions about your diagnosis, treatment options, and potential risks.
- Consider getting a second opinion: Ask a different mesothelioma specialist to review your records and either confirm a suggested treatment plan or provide a different perspective. It’s especially important if you got your diagnosis from a non-specialist, as mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed.
“Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and that makes experience especially important. Patients should strongly consider obtaining at least one opinion from a center with experience treating mesothelioma, particularly an academic cancer center.”
Comparing doctors can help you better understand your diagnosis and choose a care team that’s well suited to your treatment needs.
You don’t have to search for a mesothelioma doctor on your own. Our Free Doctor Match service can help you connect with experienced specialists who can review your diagnosis and discuss your treatment options.
Who Are the Best Mesothelioma Specialists for Elderly Patients?
Most people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma are older adults because the disease has a long latency period, often developing 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure. As a result, doctors who regularly treat mesothelioma generally have experience caring for older patients.
When choosing a mesothelioma specialist for an elderly patient, consider their:
- History with medically complex patients: Many older adults have other conditions, such as heart or lung disease, diabetes, or kidney problems, that can affect cancer treatment. Look for a doctor who routinely accounts for these conditions when developing treatment plans.
- Mesothelioma treatment history: Because mesothelioma is rare, experience with the disease matters. A doctor who regularly treats mesothelioma likely has substantial experience working with older patients.
- Multidisciplinary care strategies: Older patients may benefit from coordinated care involving cardiologists, geriatric specialists, rehabilitation providers, or palliative care specialists, among others.
- Recommendations for individualized treatment: The doctor should explain the benefits and risks of treatment based on the patient’s health and goals, not age alone.
- Supportive care plans: Ask how the medical team manages pain, breathing problems, fatigue, treatment side effects, nutrition, and other issues that can affect an older patient’s quality of life.
- Treatment tolerance assessments: Age alone doesn’t determine whether a patient can undergo surgery or other intensive treatment. A specialist should consider overall fitness, mobility, nutrition, independence, and other factors when evaluating treatment options.
The best mesothelioma specialist for an older adult will consider their overall health, personal goals, and quality of life, and work with a broader team to manage other medical conditions during treatment. If a doctor doesn’t feel like the right fit, get a second opinion.
Find a Top Mesothelioma Specialist Near You
Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or you’re looking for a second opinion, finding a doctor who regularly treats mesothelioma can help you get care that fits your diagnosis and treatment needs. Consider the factors above as you compare specialists, and don’t hesitate to ask for help along the way.
Our team at Mesothelioma Hope can help you:
- Find and choose from leading mesothelioma specialists and top cancer centers
- Learn about new and emerging treatments and clinical trials
- Seek mesothelioma compensation, if eligible
- Access educational and support resources
You don’t have to navigate this process alone. Our Patient Advocates can help you find experienced mesothelioma doctors and treatment centers, answer questions, and help you understand your options.
Use our Free Doctor Match service or call (866) 608-8933 to find the right specialist for your diagnosis.
