Dr. Miguel Alvelo-Rivera

About Dr. Miguel F. Alvelo-Rivera

Dr. Miguel F. Alvelo-Rivera is a thoracic surgeon treating pleural mesothelioma (cancer of the lung lining) and other chest-related cancers at Henry Ford Health.

Dr. Alvelo-Rivera has more than 20 years of experience using surgical techniques to treat cancer patients. He prefers the use of minimally invasive surgery when possible to improve patients’ recovery times and reduce discomfort.

He believes every patient deserves compassionate care, clear communication, and the opportunity to participate in treatment decisions.

Use our Free Doctor Match now for help connecting with Dr. Alvelo-Rivera and other mesothelioma specialists near you.

What Health Conditions Does Dr. Miguel Alvelo-Rivera Treat?

As a thoracic surgeon, Dr. Miguel Alvelo-Rivera specializes in diseases affecting the lungs, chest, esophagus, and surrounding structures.

He treats cancers including:

• Pleural mesothelioma
• Esophageal cancer
• Lung cancer
• Other thoracic malignancies

Many of these cancers require care from several specialists. At Henry Ford Health, Dr. Alvelo-Rivera works closely with other providers as part of a multidisciplinary team to address each patient’s diagnosis and treatment goals.

Dr. Miguel Alvelo-Rivera’s Mesothelioma Treatment Approach

When developing a mesothelioma treatment plan, Dr. Alvelo-Rivera can use different surgical procedures depending on the patient’s health, cancer stage, and more.

For many thoracic cancers, he’s able to use minimally invasive surgeries. These types of surgeries use smaller incisions, helping patients recover faster.

Dr. Alvelo-Rivera also works with other mesothelioma specialists to ensure patients can get chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. These therapies may be used before or after surgery as part of a patient’s treatment plan.

“We can do something for every patient. We just need to find out what the right thing to do for every patient is.”
– Dr. Miguel Alvelo-Rivera, pleural mesothelioma specialist

Use our Free Doctor Questions Checklist to get the answers you deserve when meeting with a mesothelioma specialist.

Dr. Miguel Alvelo-Rivera’s Medical Background

Dr. Alvelo-Rivera has more than 20 years of experience in treating thoracic cancers like mesothelioma. He completed his general surgery residency at the University of Puerto Rico in 1997.

This was followed by specialized training at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center through the early 2000s, where he helped develop minimally invasive surgical procedures to treat esophageal cancer.

Dr. Alvelo-Rivera then spent 5 years developing a thoracic surgery program in Michigan that allowed patients in the northern part of the state to receive care closer to home. Today, he’s proud to help treat patients through his work at Henry Ford Health.

Work Experience

Dr. Alvelo-Rivera has completed advanced training in both surgical oncology and thoracic surgery.

His experience includes:

• Thoracic surgeon at Henry Ford Health
• Medical fellowships at the University of Pittsburgh
• Doctor of Medicine and Residency in Surgery at the University of Puerto Rico

Because of his decades of experience and training, Dr. Alvelo-Rivera can offer a range of surgical options to meet each cancer patient’s unique needs.

Highlights of Dr. Miguel Alvelo-Rivera’s Medical Career

Dr. Alvelo-Rivera is an accomplished thoracic surgeon who has helped hundreds of patients facing serious cancers like mesothelioma, esophageal cancer, and lung cancer. Today, his work spans not only treating patients but also furthering cancer research.

Awards and Accolades

Dr. Alvelo-Rivera has earned recognition for his expertise in thoracic surgery, education, and patient care.

His career highlights include:

• Board certification in Surgery through the American Board of Surgery
• Board certification in Thoracic Surgery through the American Board of Thoracic Surgery
• Thoracic Surgery Faculty of the Year at University of Pittsburgh, 2008

Patients have also consistently praised Dr. Alvelo-Rivera’s bedside manner, noting that he takes time to clearly explain their options and that his exams are very thorough.

Professional Activities

Dr. Alvelo-Rivera and his colleagues have presented research findings at conferences held by national and international cancer societies.

These include:

• International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract
• Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Through these presentations, he has been able to directly share results of key studies with other leading cancer providers, helping them easily understand the latest advances.

Dr. Miguel Alvelo-Rivera’s Work in Cancer Research

In addition to caring for patients, Dr. Alvelo-Rivera remains involved in research and clinical trials focused on improving treatment for thoracic cancers.

His work includes:

• Helping improve recovery times and quality of life after thoracic surgery
• Improving minimally invasive surgical treatments
• Participating in clinical trials and other studies of thoracic cancer treatments
• Studying new approaches to treating lung and esophageal cancer

Dr. Alvelo-Rivera hopes these efforts will lead to better treatments and fewer complications for cancer patients.

Use our Free Doctor Match to get help connecting with mesothelioma specialists like Dr. Alvelo-Rivera near you.

Dr. Miguel Alvelo-Rivera’s Research and Published Works

Dr. Alvelo-Rivera has contributed to studies on thoracic cancers and surgical treatments, including ways to improve care for patients with esophageal cancer.

His work has been published in medical journals, helping other clinicians better understand surgical techniques and treatment approaches.

Notable cancer studies he’s been involved with include:

• Achieving Commission on Cancer Operative Standard 5.8 for Primary Lung Cancer Resections. Presented at Henry Ford Health’s Quality Expo, March 2024.
• A Rare Case of Esophageal Obstruction After Rupture of an Esophageal Duplication Cyst. Published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology, October 2023.
• Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Resectable Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Published in Oncology, September 2009.
• Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatment of Sigmoidal Esophagus in Achalasia. Published in Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, June 2009.

Dr. Alvelo-Rivera continues to investigate new ways to improve cancer treatment options and the quality of life of patients under his care.

Why Mesothelioma Patients Choose Dr. Miguel Alvelo-Rivera

Dr. Alvelo-Rivera has earned the respect of hundreds of former patients. He works to provide the same level of care to his patients as he would to a family member, and helps them understand every step of their treatment.

Dr. Alvelo-Rivera is praised by patients for:

• Answering questions
• Clearly explaining their options
• Conducting thorough examinations
• Listening carefully

He also works to educate patients about their specific cancer and prognosis, helping them feel more confident as they make important treatment decisions.

“The most rewarding part of all I do is seeing a patient get through the initial fear and learning that this is not a death sentence if we do the right things.”
– Dr. Miguel Alvelo-Rivera, pleural mesothelioma specialist

Get Connected With Dr. Miguel Alvelo-Rivera for Mesothelioma Care

Dr. Miguel Alvelo-Rivera is renowned for his expertise in the treatment of chest-related cancers like pleural mesothelioma.

With decades of experience and endorsement from many other cancer patients, Dr. Alvelo-Rivera may be a good choice if you or a loved one is facing mesothelioma in Michigan.

At Mesothelioma Hope, we’re here to help families like yours find the best mesothelioma doctors for your situation.

Call (866) 608-8933 or use our Free Doctor Match to connect with Dr. Alvelo-Rivera and other mesothelioma specialists near you.