Mesothelioma Doctors

What Is a Mesothelioma Doctor?

Mesothelioma doctors specialize in diagnosing, treating, and researching mesothelioma. Since malignant mesothelioma is so rare, some general cancer doctors (oncologists) may not be as comfortable with treating mesothelioma as they are with more common forms of cancer.

Patients have a better chance of living longer with mesothelioma when they receive treatment from the best doctors in the field. These top mesothelioma oncologists work at renowned cancer centers to create effective treatment plans with the help of multidisciplinary teams.

Generally speaking, there are three types of mesothelioma doctors:

• Medical oncologists: Doctors who use chemotherapy and other medications to treat mesothelioma
• Radiation oncologists: Doctors who treat mesothelioma with radiation therapy
• Surgical oncologists: Doctors who perform surgery to treat mesothelioma

Mesothelioma doctors often specialize in one type of mesothelioma since cancer requires vastly different treatments depending on where it first develops. That said, all doctors agree that patients often have better outcomes if the cancer is diagnosed early on, as it will be easier to treat.

It is important that you get the best care possible to treat your mesothelioma. Use our Free Doctor Match to find a mesothelioma specialist near you.

Top Pleural Mesothelioma Doctors

It is crucial to find a mesothelioma doctor who specializes in the type of mesothelioma you have been diagnosed with. This ensures you are getting the best care possible.

Pleural mesothelioma specialists are doctors that treat mesothelioma that forms in the lining of the lungs (pleura).

In the last 20 years, some of these mesothelioma experts have pioneered groundbreaking new methods of surgery that have resulted in more positive outcomes for patients.

Learn about top pleural mesothelioma specialists below.

These thoracic surgeons are only a handful of top pleural mesothelioma specialists around the country.

Top Peritoneal Mesothelioma Doctors

Peritoneal mesothelioma doctors treat cancer in the lining of the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and nearby organs. Mesothelioma in this area can result in numerous tumors throughout the inside of the abdomen.

Learn about top peritoneal mesothelioma doctors below.

Other Top Pleural and Peritoneal Mesothelioma Specialists

Find more mesothelioma doctors here:

Explore top doctors, new treatments, and much more with our Free Mesothelioma Guide — packed with nearly 100 pages of information to help you fight this cancer.

Other Types of Mesothelioma Specialists

The vast majority of mesothelioma cases are pleural or peritoneal. However, there are other rare forms of the disease, including pericardial mesothelioma (which forms in the heart lining) and testicular mesothelioma (which forms in the testicle lining).

Although pericardial and testicular mesothelioma are both very rare, there are doctors and cancer centers who can treat these patients.

Learn more about doctors who specialize in rare types of mesothelioma below.

Pericardial Mesothelioma Doctors

Pericardial mesothelioma is extremely uncommon and accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Doctors can treat pericardial mesothelioma by surgically removing tumors from the heart lining (pericardium).

Unfortunately, many cases of pericardial mesothelioma go undetected until the patient has passed away and an autopsy is performed to determine the cause of death.

Even though this type of cancer is rare, there are specialists who can diagnose and treat patients with pericardial mesothelioma. For example, some of the nation’s top pleural mesothelioma surgeons are also trained cardiac surgeons.

Testicular Mesothelioma Doctors

Testicular mesothelioma is even rarer than pericardial mesothelioma. It causes a tumor in the lining surrounding the testes (tunica vaginalis), which leads to fluid buildup in the scrotum.

Even though this type of mesothelioma is extremely rare, patients can connect with cancer specialists who can help treat their condition.

What to Look for in a Mesothelioma Doctor

Choosing the right mesothelioma doctor is a key part of improving your life expectancy. You and your family should feel comfortable with your care team and trust that you are in good hands.

When researching doctors, you should look for a specialist who focuses on treating your type of mesothelioma. Doctors who’ve seen cases similar to yours will know which cancer treatment options may be available to help you live longer or ease your symptoms.

There are several important characteristics to consider when seeking treatment from a mesothelioma specialist.

Learn more about what to look for in a mesothelioma doctor below.

Experience

Check to see how many years of experience a mesothelioma doctor has diagnosing and treating patients with this type of cancer.

Health care professionals who have seen many mesothelioma patients will usually have deeper knowledge of how the disease responds to treatment. This can help them understand which treatment methods will be most effective in your case.

Compassion

Since mesothelioma is so rare and complex, very few patients are familiar with the cancer until they are faced with it. You need a doctor who can clearly and considerately explain your diagnosis to you and your loved ones.

Find a doctor willing to take the time to answer your questions and concerns with care and competence. Top mesothelioma doctors will be compassionate and thorough when explaining your disease and treatment options.

Location

You should also find out if the mesothelioma specialist works at a cancer center that’s close to where you live.

Thankfully, there are plenty of cancer centers in the United States staffed with top mesothelioma specialists so you can get treatment nearby.

Treatment Methods

It is important to consider the treatment options each doctor uses when choosing a specialist. Mesothelioma doctors provide different treatments depending on their specialty.

Common mesothelioma treatment options include:

• Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells in the affected area
• Clinical trials to test newly developed therapies that may improve your prognosis
• Radiation to kill cancer cells in localized areas
• Surgery to remove all or some of your tumors or to relieve symptoms

In many cases, your decision might depend on what treatment(s) will most effectively fight your type and stage of mesothelioma.

Download our Free Questions to Ask Your Doctor Checklist today so you get the answers you need when meeting with a mesothelioma specialist.

How to Prepare for a Mesothelioma Specialist Appointment

During your first appointment, the mesothelioma specialist will typically discuss your diagnosis, symptoms, prior test results, medical history, and potential treatment methods. It’s important to plan ahead to get the most out of your doctor’s visit.

Here are some ways to prepare for an appointment with a mesothelioma doctor:

1. Gather any work history that highlights your asbestos exposure.
2. Have your list of questions handy so you don’t forget to ask something.
3. Make a list of your mesothelioma symptoms and daily medications.
4. Request relevant medical records and imaging scans. If possible, try to arrange for the doctor to access these digitally ahead of time.

Additionally, you might consider taking a trusted loved one along to offer their support and take notes (since you’ll likely receive a lot of information during the visit). This can be especially useful in the future when you’re making decisions about the next steps in your treatment process.

Get Help Finding a Top Mesothelioma Doctor Near You

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming, but it’s incredibly important to stay hopeful during this difficult time.

The first step in fighting this disease is to find a trusted mesothelioma doctor. Fortunately, there are many experienced mesothelioma specialists nationwide who are available to help patients like you.

These top mesothelioma doctors have the experience and resources to improve your or a loved one’s quality of life.

We can help you find a local specialist — try our Free Mesothelioma Doctor Match today.