Why You Should See a Mesothelioma Doctor
Mesothelioma is a rare and complex cancer that requires specialized medical treatment.
Unlike many other cancers, mesothelioma can develop in several areas of the body, including the lungs, abdomen, heart, and testicles. Each location brings its own challenges and requires a carefully tailored treatment plan.
A mesothelioma doctor can:
- Deliver personalized cancer care based on your diagnosis
- Help manage symptoms to improve your quality of life
- Increase your chances of long-term survival
- Offer new treatments that general doctors might not know about
It’s important to find a specialist who will support you with care, compassion, and the best treatment options for your situation.
- Experience treating mesothelioma cancer
- Knowledge of the latest treatments
- Access to emerging therapies
- Affiliation with top cancer centers
Top Pleural Mesothelioma Doctors
Pleural mesothelioma forms in the lining of the lungs (pleura). Thoracic oncologists and surgeons treat this type of mesothelioma with a range of therapies, including surgery (P/D or EPP), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.
Some top pleural mesothelioma specialists include:
Dr. Raja Flores
25+ years of experienceChairman of the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York
Dr. Robert Cameron
20+ years of experienceChief of Thoracic Surgery at West Los Angeles VA Medical Center
Dr. Taylor Ripley
15+ years of experienceDirector of the Mesothelioma Treatment Center at Baylor College of Medicine’s Lung Institute in Houston
Dr. James Stevenson
20+ years of experienceVice-Chairman of Medical Oncology at Cleveland Clinic’s Taussig Cancer Institute in Ohio
Dr. David Harpole Jr.
20+ years of experienceThoracic surgeon at the Duke University School of Medicine in North Carolina
Dr. Raphael Bueno
20+ years of experienceDirector of the International Mesothelioma Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston
Top Peritoneal Mesothelioma Doctors
Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Peritoneal mesothelioma patients can work with medical and surgical oncologists to access treatment options like cytoreductive surgery, heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), and systemic chemotherapy.
Some peritoneal mesothelioma doctors include:
Dr. James Pingpank
20+ years of experienceSurgical oncologist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC)
Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler
25+ years of experienceDirector of the Mesothelioma Program at the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dr. Daniel M. Labow
20+ years of experienceSurgical Oncologist at Nuvance Health Praxair Cancer Center in Connecticut
Dr. Mecker Möller
15+ years of experienceDirector of the Regional Therapies (HIPEC) Program at the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center
Whether you’re looking for treatment or need a second opinion on your diagnosis, we can help you find the best mesothelioma doctor for your situation. Use our Free Doctor Match to get started.
Types of Mesothelioma Doctors
If you’re diagnosed with mesothelioma, your treatment team will likely include several types of doctors who each have a specific role in your care. By working together, these specialists can give you the best chance at managing the disease and improving your well-being.
- General surgeons: Perform diagnostic procedures and certain treatments
- Medical oncologists: Use chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other medications to treat cancer
- Nutritionists: Help you maintain strength and manage side effects through a balanced mesothelioma diet
- Palliative care specialists: Focus on easing symptoms and improving your comfort
- Pulmonologists: Treat lung-related issues caused by pleural mesothelioma
- Radiation oncologists: Use targeted radiation to shrink tumors and ease pain
- Surgical oncologists: Perform tumor-removal surgeries for cancers like peritoneal mesothelioma
- Thoracic surgeons: Specialize in chest surgeries, including pleurectomy with decortication (P/D) and extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)
See All Mesothelioma Specialists
Read about other mesothelioma doctors located across the country:- Dr. Joel Baumgartner
- Dr. Richard N. Berri
- Dr. Shanel Bhagwandin
- Dr. Adam J. Bograd
- Dr. Raphael Bueno
- Dr. Bryan Burt
- Dr. Robert Cameron
- Dr. Jeffrey Clarke
- Dr. Lorraine Cornwell
- Dr. Traves Crabtree
- Dr. Marcelo DaSilva
- Dr. Raja Flores
- Dr. Jacques Fontaine
- Dr. Joseph Friedberg
- Dr. Linda Garland
- Dr. Martin Goodman
- Dr. David Harpole Jr.
- Dr. Raffit Hassan
- Dr. Ryan Holbrook
- Dr. Kamran Idrees
- Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler
- Dr. Daniel M. Labow
- Dr. Eric S. Lambright
- Dr. Corey J. Langer
- Dr. Edward Levine
- Dr. Deepa Magge
- Dr. Dao Nguyen
- Dr. James Pingpank
- Dr. David Rice
- Dr. Taylor Ripley
- Dr. Lary Robinson
- Dr. Paul H. Schipper
- Dr. Matthew Steliga
- Dr. James Stevenson
- Dr. Anne Tsao
- Dr. Eric Vallieres
- Dr. Jeffrey Velotta
- Dr. Wickii Vigneswaran
- Dr. Nestor Ricardo Villamizar
- Dr. Daniel Wiener
- Dr. Dennis Wigle
- Dr. Andrea Wolf
- Dr. Marjorie Zauderer
6 Things to Look for in a Mesothelioma Specialist
You should feel confident in your physician-patient relationship. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and look for another doctor who listens to your concerns and respects your personal wishes and goals for treatment.
Below are 6 key factors to consider when meeting with mesothelioma doctors.
1. Experience Treating Mesothelioma
When it comes to mesothelioma, experience matters. Choosing a doctor who regularly sees mesothelioma patients increases your chances of getting an accurate diagnosis, the most up-to-date treatment options, and better overall survival outcomes.
You may want to ask potential doctors:
- How many patients they’ve treated
- If they work at high-volume cancer centers
- What type of mesothelioma they specialize in
- Whether they participate in clinical trials
Reviewing their credentials, publications, and patient testimonials can also help you assess their expertise.
“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.”
2. Availability and Responsiveness
You’ll likely have questions about symptoms, treatments, and side effects, and you deserve timely answers.
You need a mesothelioma doctor who stays available and responds quickly because of how fast this cancer can progress.
If flexibility is important to you, ask the doctor if they offer online messaging or phone consultations if something comes up before your next in-person appointment.
We’re here to make things easier. Use our Free Doctor Match to find a mesothelioma specialist near you and seek compensation to help cover treatment and travel costs.
3. Treatment Specialties
Mesothelioma specialists offer a wide range of treatment options based on their medical training, experience, and the type of mesothelioma being treated.
Not all mesothelioma doctors offer the same treatments, so it’s important to understand each specialist’s focus and how it aligns with your needs.
Common treatment specialties include:
- Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells and prevent tumors from growing
- Immunotherapy to help the immune system identify and attack cancer cells
- Palliative care to manage pain and improve quality of life
- Radiation therapy to kill cancer cells in a particular area of the body
- Surgery to remove tumors and relieve painful symptoms
Each treatment comes with its own benefits, risks, and recovery timelines. The right combination of treatments — called multimodal therapy — can potentially improve your length and quality of life.
“I’m living past my due time, and I credit that to all the work we’ve done with the mesothelioma doctors.”
4. Location and Travel Costs
Getting mesothelioma treatment in your state can make the process simpler and more affordable. Staying closer to home means less travel, which can help keep your out-of-pocket expenses lower and reduce added stress on your family.
However, if the best treatment option is at a specialized mesothelioma center that isn’t near you, don’t let travel be a barrier.
Many patients qualify for grants, legal compensation, and VA disability benefits that can help cover travel-related expenses.
5. Access to Clinical Trials
Specialists involved in clinical trials are often at the forefront of mesothelioma research. They have the latest knowledge about emerging treatments and can provide access to new medications or procedures that general oncologists may not offer.
By seeing mesothelioma doctors who participate in cancer research, you may be able to access new treatments that could potentially extend your life expectancy.
6. Bedside Manner
A specialist with a compassionate bedside manner can help reduce any feelings of anxiety and make you feel more confident in your treatment plan.
Your doctor should support and empower you, not talk down to you or make you feel afraid to ask questions about your health.
When you feel respected and understood by your doctor, you can focus on healing and being present with your family and loved ones.
”I needed a doctor who understood empathy and delivered medical information with compassion.”
What to Expect at Your First Specialist Visit
Preparing for your first appointment with a mesothelioma doctor can ease anxiety and ensure you’re ready to make the most of the visit.
You can expect:
- Review of your medical and asbestos exposure history
- Imaging (X-rays, CT scans) or biopsy review
- Discussion about your treatment options
- Opportunity to ask questions or request a second opinion
Tip: Bring a family member or friend for support and use our Free Checklist of 14 Questions to Ask Your Doctor to stay organized.
Get Connected With Top Mesothelioma Doctors
A mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming, but it’s important to stay hopeful. You have options, and a wide range of support services are available to assist patients and their families.
The first step in fighting this disease is to find a trusted mesothelioma doctor with the experience and resources to improve your health and quality of life.
We’re standing by to connect you with local mesothelioma specialists who can provide the best treatments.
Our team can help you:
- Find mesothelioma doctors in your area
- Schedule an appointment with a specialist
- Pursue financial compensation for treatment
Reach out to us at (866) 608-8933 or use our Free Doctor Match to get started.
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 type of oncologist treats mesothelioma?
Different types of oncologists can treat mesothelioma depending on their medical specialty.
- Medical oncologists specialize in medications such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. They often coordinate a cancer patient’s overall treatment plan.
- Radiation oncologists focus on using high-energy radiation to shrink tumors and relieve pain.
- Surgical oncologists and thoracic surgeons are trained to remove mesothelioma tumors through procedures like pleurectomy with decortication (P/D) and cytoreductive surgery with heated chemotherapy.
A multidisciplinary team that includes these different types of oncologists working together is the best way of treating mesothelioma.
Who is the best mesothelioma doctor in the world?
There isn’t a single “best” mesothelioma doctor. Experience is important, but the right doctor also depends on your diagnosis, location, treatment goals, and personal preferences.
Some internationally recognized mesothelioma doctors include:
- Dr. Raphael Bueno – Chief of Thoracic Surgery and Director of the International Mesothelioma Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston
- Dr. Robert Cameron – A pioneer of lung-sparing surgery and director of the Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program at UCLA and the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
- Dr. Raja Flores – Chairman of the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Mount Sinai in New York
- Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler – Director of the Mesothelioma Program at the University of Chicago and a leading expert in both clinical care and research
Each of these mesothelioma specialists has decades of experience treating this aggressive cancer and overseeing clinical trials for emerging therapies.
Should I get a second opinion from a mesothelioma doctor?
Yes, you should get a second opinion from a mesothelioma doctor, even if you’ve already confirmed your diagnosis.
Different mesothelioma doctors offer different approaches based on their training, experience, or access to newer therapies.
For example, one doctor may recommend surgery, while another may suggest starting with immunotherapy or enrolling in a clinical trial. A second opinion helps you fully understand your options.
How can I find a mesothelioma specialist near me?
Finding a qualified mesothelioma specialist near you can feel overwhelming, but a Patient Advocate can help.
At Mesothelioma Hope, we make it easy to get started. Our Patient Advocates can help you find local mesothelioma doctors, show you how to pursue financial compensation, and connect you to the best care available. Contact us today to get started.
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