Mesothelioma Doctors

Why Do I Need to Find a Mesothelioma Doctor?

Finding a physician who focuses on mesothelioma is the best way to increase your life expectancy 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 cancers.

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

Since mesothelioma is such a rare cancer, it can be challenging to diagnose. Getting a second opinion from a mesothelioma specialist can help confirm if your diagnosis was accurate and rule out a potential misdiagnosis.

Mesothelioma specialists can also provide a better understanding of your treatment options and 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.

A few of the country’s top-ranked pleural mesothelioma doctors are listed below. Our nurses and Patient Advocates can provide a complete list of pleural specialists in your area and help you find the right fit — call (866) 608-8933 to speak with them now.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Doctors

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

Some well-known peritoneal mesothelioma doctors include:

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

Other Top Mesothelioma Doctors

Read about other specialists who help patients diagnosed with mesothelioma:

Doctors Who Treat Rarer Types of Mesothelioma

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 aren’t common, there are doctors who may be able to treat these patients or enroll them in clinical trials.

Factors for Choosing a Mesothelioma Specialist

Selecting a doctor for your treatment is an important decision. Read about some factors you should consider below.

Experience Treating Mesothelioma Patients

Choosing 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 patients they’ve helped who have a diagnosis similar to yours.

“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.”

Location and Transportation 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 costs, potential hotel stays, and additional meal expenses. All of these costs can add up over time if you need long-term treatment.

Our team can check if you’re eligible for financial assistance to help pay for treatment-related expenses — call (866) 608-8933 now to speak with us.

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 whether they offer virtual visits or phone consultations if you have questions or concerns before your next in-person appointment.

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 create custom treatment plans based on each patient’s age, overall health, type of mesothelioma, and the stage of their cancer (how far it’s spread).

Take the first step toward getting your own personalized treatment plan: Find a mesothelioma doctor today.

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 a mesothelioma doctor who’s involved in clinical research, you’ll have a chance to benefit from the latest medical advances, which can potentially improve your life expectancy.

How Should I Prepare for My First Appointment?

Planning ahead is important to get the most out of your initial visit with a mesothelioma doctor. You may receive a lot of information at once, so it’s a good idea to bring a family member or friend who can take notes.

Here are some other tips to help 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, scans, or X-rays.
• Bring a list of questions to ask your mesothelioma doctor.

We’ve compiled a list of 14 questions to ask 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 and scary, but it’s incredibly important to stay hopeful.

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. Connect with a Patient Advocate now at (866) 608-8933 or get started with our Free Mesothelioma Doctor Match.