Mesothelioma Doctors | Find Top Specialists Near You

The Importance of Finding a Mesothelioma Doctor

Working with a doctor who focuses on mesothelioma can increase your life expectancy and quality of life after a diagnosis. While there are thousands of oncologists (cancer doctors), not all of them have in-depth knowledge of malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

“Unless you see a mesothelioma specialist, most doctors have a noticeably limited education about this cancer.”

- Quote from Jill Litton, 14+ year mesothelioma survivor

Mesothelioma specialists can:

Help you fully understand your diagnosis
Provide a better understanding of your treatment options
Help you access the latest advancements in mesothelioma care

Whether you’re searching for a doctor who treats mesothelioma or you’re still trying to confirm a diagnosis, Mesothelioma Hope can help. Start by using our Free Doctor Match to connect with mesothelioma specialists near you.

Pleural Mesothelioma Doctors

Pleural mesothelioma doctors treat patients whose cancer forms in the lining of the lungs (pleura). Many of these doctors are thoracic surgeons, meaning they specialize in procedures involving the chest and lungs.

Below are some of the top pleural mesothelioma doctors in the country. Our registered nurses can help you find the right fit with a pleural specialist in your area — call (866) 608-8933 to speak with them now.

Dr. Raja Flores

25+ years of experience

Chairman of the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York

Dr. Robert Cameron

20+ years of experience

Chief of Thoracic Surgery at West Los Angeles VA Medical Center

Dr. Taylor Ripley

15+ years of experience

Director of the Mesothelioma Treatment Center at Baylor College of Medicine’s Lung Institute in Houston

Dr. Rodney Landreneau

35+ years of experience

Board-certified Thoracic Surgeon at Penn Highlands Healthcare

Dr. David Harpole Jr.

20+ years of experience

Thoracic Surgeon at Duke University School of Medicine in North Carolina

Dr. Raphael Bueno

20+ years of experience

Director of the International Mesothelioma Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston

See all specialists

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Specialists

Peritoneal mesothelioma specialists help patients who’ve been diagnosed with cancer in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).

Some top peritoneal mesothelioma experts include:

Dr. James Pingpank

20+ years of experience

Surgical oncologist at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC)

Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler

25+ years of experience

Director of the Mesothelioma Program at University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center

Dr. Daniel M. Labow

20+ years of experience

Top Surgical Oncologist at the Nuvance Health Praxair Cancer in Connecticut

Dr. Mecker Möller

15+ years of experience

Director of the Regional Therapies (HIPEC) Program at University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center

We can help find the right peritoneal mesothelioma specialist. Try our Free Doctor Match today — it only takes a minute to get started.

See All Top Mesothelioma Doctors

Read about other specialists who help patients diagnosed with mesothelioma:

Types of Mesothelioma Specialists

It’s likely that several mesothelioma oncologists (cancer doctors) as well as other medical professionals will be a part of your cancer care team.

Types of mesothelioma specialists include:

Medical oncologists
Primary care physicians
Nutritionists
Pulmonologist or gastroenterologists
Radiation oncologists
Surgical oncology specialists

Registered Nurse Amy Fair discusses the types of doctors you need on your team when being diagnosed and treated for mesothelioma. View Transcript.

Duration: 1 min 01 sec

Who should be on my medical team for treatment?

The health professionals that should be on your team starts with your primary medical doctor because you may have other comorbidities or things your taking medication for or diseases. Normally that referral goes into a pulmonologist or a gastroenterologist depending on what type of mesothelioma you have, whether it be pleural or peritoneal. That will normally proceed into a surgical component, surgeon, and then lead into an oncology or radiology component. It’s also very important that you have a nutritionist on this team. Many facilities have what they call a tumor board that comprises these disciplines together. The continuity of care of phenomenal with a tumor board.

Some mesothelioma doctors may also specialize in rare forms of the disease, including pericardial mesothelioma (which forms in the heart lining) and testicular mesothelioma (which forms in the testicle lining).

6 Factors for Choosing a Mesothelioma Specialist

Choosing a doctor for your mesothelioma treatment is an important decision. You should feel empowered to walk away from a physician-patient relationship that doesn’t feel right and continue searching for someone who will listen to your concerns and build a treatment plan based on your needs.

Learn more about some of the factors to consider when choosing the best mesothelioma doctor for you below.

1. Experience Treating Mesothelioma

A physician with an extensive history of treating mesothelioma cancer can play a large role in improving your overall health outlook (prognosis).

Ask your doctor if they can tell you about other mesothelioma patients they’ve helped who have a diagnosis similar to yours. Working with a mesothelioma expert can give you a better chance at a longer, healthier life.

“If your doctor is not a professional and has not lived it and breathed it, get another oncologist. You need someone experienced — someone who’s going to fight for you and with you.”

- Quote from Mary Jane Williams, 15-year mesothelioma survivor

2. Availability

Because mesothelioma spreads quickly, you need to get a diagnosis and start treatment as soon as possible. You should choose a doctor who can provide prompt access to diagnostic tests, oncology services, and treatment planning.

If flexibility is important to you, ask the doctor if they offer virtual or phone consultations if you have questions or concerns before your next in-person appointment.

3. Treatment Specialties

Mesothelioma doctors provide different treatments depending on their background and training.

Common mesothelioma treatment options include:

Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells in the affected area
Immunotherapy to help the immune system identify and attack cancer cells
Radiation therapy to kill cancer cells in a particular area of the body
Surgery to remove tumors or relieve painful symptoms

Mesothelioma specialists will create a custom treatment plan based on factors like your age, other health conditions, type of mesothelioma, and the stage of your cancer (how far it’s spread).

4. Location and Travel Costs

Getting mesothelioma treatment in your state can make the process easier and more convenient while keeping your out-of-pocket costs more manageable.

If you can’t find a mesothelioma specialist close to home, you’ll have to factor in transportation, potential hotel stays, and additional meal expenses. All of these costs can add up over time if you need long-term treatment.

Use our Free Doctor Match to find a mesothelioma specialist near you. Our team can also go over financial assistance options to help pay for your treatment and travel costs.

Jenna Tozzi, RN15+ years helping cancer patients as a nurse navigator

Find a doctor in your area

Our registered nurse can help you schedule appointments with top mesothelioma specialists.

5. Access to Clinical Trials

Check if a doctor you’re considering has access to mesothelioma clinical trials and newer treatments that may not be available through a general oncologist.

Clinical trials allow patients to potentially receive cutting-edge therapies and treatments while contributing to cancer research.

By seeing mesothelioma doctors involved in clinical research, you may have a chance to benefit from the latest medical advances, which can potentially improve your life expectancy.

6. Bedside Manner

It’s also important to feel comfortable with your doctor. They will be with you through one of the most challenging periods of your life, and you should be able to trust them to care for you and walk alongside you.

Your doctor should support and empower you, not talk down to you or make you feel afraid to ask questions about your health.

”While I will always be grateful that my initial doctor was observant enough to find my cancer in the first place, I knew that I wouldn’t continue to see him for further treatment because of his anger when I couldn’t tell him where I’d been exposed to asbestos.

I needed a doctor who understood empathy and delivered medical information with compassion.”

- Quote from Alexis Kidd, 17+ year peritoneal mesothelioma survivor

Learn more about how mesothelioma survivors navigated their patient-doctor relationships and treatment plans in our Free Survivors Guide.

How to Prepare for Your First Appointment

When you’re getting ready for your initial visit with a mesothelioma doctor, your goal should be to gather as much information on your diagnosis, treatment plan, and the doctor or hospital themselves as you can.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for your first appointment:

Collect any records of work history or suspected asbestos exposure.
Write down your mesothelioma symptoms and when they started.
Request any past medical records or imaging scans from your existing doctor.
Bring a family member or friend who can take notes, ask follow-up questions, and keep you comfortable and grounded.

There will likely be a lot of information to go over, so it’s important to stay organized to ensure you’re getting all the answers you need.

To help you do this, we’ve compiled a list of 14 questions to ask your mesothelioma doctor that can help you make informed decisions about your treatment. Download our free checklist now so you’ll have it ready for your first doctor’s visit.

Find the Best Doctors for Mesothelioma in Your Area

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming, but it’s important to stay hopeful — you have options, and support is available to you.

The first step in fighting this disease is to find a trusted mesothelioma doctor with the experience and resources to help improve your health and quality of life.

Mesothelioma Hope is standing by to help you find local specialists who can provide you with the best treatment.

Our team can help you:

Evaluate mesothelioma doctors in your area
Understand your insurance and financial options
Schedule an appointment with a specialist

Connect with a Patient Advocate now at (866) 608-8933 or through our contact form.

Disclaimer

Mesothelioma Hope has no affiliation with and is not endorsed or sponsored by any of the doctors listed above. The contact information above is listed for informational purposes only. You have the right to contact these mesothelioma specialists directly.

Mesothelioma Specialists FAQs

What doctors diagnose mesothelioma?

Although many people will begin their diagnostic process with their primary doctor, a mesothelioma specialist is best equipped to diagnose this cancer.

These doctors work with pathologists (who specialize in analyzing tissue and fluids) and other specialists to ensure you get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan for your type of mesothelioma.

Since mesothelioma cancer is often misdiagnosed, it’s crucial to see a specialist for a diagnosis or second opinion.

What should I do if I've been diagnosed with mesothelioma?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should find a specialist who has expertise in treating this rare cancer.

Mesothelioma doctors provide specialized care that can make a key difference in your treatment options and survival.

How do I find a mesothelioma specialist near me?

The best way to find a mesothelioma doctor near you is to speak with a medical advocate who is familiar with specialists in the area.

Mesothelioma Hope has long-established relationships with mesothelioma doctors and oncology programs across the country.

Our team of nurses and Patient Advocates is passionate about connecting patients with the right doctor based on their experience, specialty, and approach to treatment.

Use our free Doctor Match or speak to a Patient Advocate now at (866) 608-8933.

Should I get a second opinion from a mesothelioma doctor?

Yes, you should get a second opinion from a mesothelioma doctor if you believe you have been misdiagnosed or want another expert’s input.

A mesothelioma specialist can review your medical records, perform additional imaging scans and biopsies, and either confirm or update your diagnosis.

The process of getting a second opinion could lead you to more effective treatments or an entirely new treatment plan.

What is the best hospital for mesothelioma?

Since each patient is different, there isn’t a single “best” hospital for mesothelioma. However, there are several oncology centers that have become well-known for their expertise in treating this type of cancer.

Some top mesothelioma cancer centers include:

Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston
MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston
Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa
Mount Sinai Health System in New York
UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles

These hospitals have multidisciplinary teams of doctors and specialists who can provide advanced treatment options. Many of them also conduct clinical trials on site as part of their oncology programs.