- Specialty Pleural Mesothelioma
-
Keck Medicine Clinic
Address:1808 Verdugo Blvd. Suite 208
Glendale, CA 91208
Telephone: (818) 952-9700 - Procedure Pleural Mesothelioma Surgery
Dr. Scott M. Atay
Thoracic Surgeon
Dr. Scott M. Atay is a thoracic surgeon at Keck Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC) who specializes in treating pleural mesothelioma and other cancers of the chest. He uses advanced surgical techniques as part of personalized treatment plans. Learn more about Dr. Atay and get help connecting with him now.
or call (866) 608-8933
Overview
About Dr. Scott M. Atay
Scott M. Atay, MD, is a board-certified thoracic surgeon with experience treating pleural mesothelioma and other thoracic cancers. He believes the best outcomes come from a multidisciplinary approach that combines surgery with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy when appropriate.
Dr. Atay also specializes in minimally invasive surgical options for mesothelioma patients. His experience with robotic and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) techniques can provide patients with additional ways to remove their cancer, depending on their staging.
Use our Free Doctor Match to connect with Dr. Scott M. Atay and other mesothelioma specialists.
What Health Conditions Does Dr. Scott M. Atay Treat?
Dr. Atay treats malignant pleural mesothelioma and many other cancers affecting the chest.
His primary areas of care include:
- Esophageal cancer
- Lung cancer
- Pleural effusion
- Pleural mesothelioma
- Thoracic cancers
- Thymoma
Dr. Scott M. Atay also treats patients who require lung transplantation and advanced thoracic surgical procedures.
Dr. Scott M. Atay’s Mesothelioma Treatment Approach
Dr. Atay works with patients seeking surgical procedures to treat their mesothelioma. Surgery is often one part of a comprehensive treatment plan for pleural mesothelioma and may be combined with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or other treatments.
Surgical options he may use to treat mesothelioma include:
- Multidisciplinary care: Surgical treatment combined with treatments from other medical oncologists, pulmonologists, or radiation oncologists when appropriate
- Pleurectomy with decortication: Removes as much cancer as possible through a sizable incision around the side, back, and between the ribs
- Video-assisted robotic or thoracoscopic surgery (VATS): Minimally invasive techniques that remove cancer with several small incisions, a camera, and specialized long instruments
Every treatment plan is personalized to help patients achieve the best possible outcome while maintaining quality of life.
Use our Free Doctor Questions Checklist to get clarity during your next medical appointment about treatment options and what to expect.
Dr. Scott M. Atay’s Medical Background
Scott M. Atay, MD, has dedicated his career to advancing thoracic surgery while helping patients receive personalized, evidence-based cancer care. He also completed a clinical research fellowship in surgical oncology at the National Cancer Institute, where he studied genetic changes associated with malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Dr. Scott M. Atay serves as a thoracic surgeon and assistant professor of clinical surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. His experience helps him combine advanced surgical care with clinical research to improve treatment for patients with mesothelioma and other thoracic cancers.
“I’m committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care, driven by the most up-to-date evidence.”
– Dr. Scott M. Atay, thoracic surgeon
Dr. Atay’s Work Experience
Dr. Atay has completed advanced training in thoracic surgery, surgical oncology, and cancer research.
His experience includes:
- Surgical Director of the USC Lung Transplant Program
- Thoracic Surgery Fellowship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
- Clinical Research Fellowship in Surgical Oncology at the National Cancer Institute
- General Surgery Residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School
Highlights of Dr. Scott M. Atay’s Medical Career
Dr. Scott M. Atay has built his career around advancing thoracic surgery while helping patients with complex chest cancers receive personalized, multidisciplinary care.
Throughout his career, he has:
- Completed advanced thoracic surgery training
- Conducted mesothelioma research
- Specialized in minimally invasive and robotic thoracic surgery
Dr. Atay’s work combines advanced surgical techniques with evidence-based cancer care to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes. Patients have also given him an average score of 4.8 stars out of 5 for the quality care he provides.
Dr. Scott M. Atay’s Work in Cancer Treatment & Clinical Research
In addition to caring for patients, Dr. Atay has contributed to research focused on improving treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma and other thoracic cancers.
His research includes:
- A Propensity-Matched Analysis of the Impact of Early and Late Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Placement Among Patients With Significant Comorbidities. Published in Surgery, September 2026.
- Lung Transplant Outcomes in Recipients Waitlisted for Both Single and Double Lung Transplantation. Published in JHLT Open, August 2026.
- Association of Cannabis Use and Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Published in Lung Cancer, June 2026.
- Reconciling Survival Differences in Lobar and Sublobar Resection for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Published in the Journal of Surgical Research, May 2026.
- The Surgical Management of Mediastinal Paragangliomas: A Modern Series Reflecting True Collaboration Between Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons. Published in JHLT Open, April 2026.
- Association of Foregut Testing and Intervention on Lung Transplant Outcomes. Published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, March 2026.
We can connect you with top doctors like Dr. Scott Atay so you can discuss the best surgical treatment plan for your mesothelioma. Use our Free Doctor Match tool to take the first step today.
Get Connected With Dr. Scott M. Atay
Surgery is often an important part of treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma, especially when combined with other therapies as part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan.
Scott M. Atay, MD, is recognized for his expertise in thoracic surgery, minimally invasive procedures, and comprehensive mesothelioma care. We help connect patients with experienced mesothelioma specialists like Dr. Atay and support resources across the country.
Our Patient Advocates are here to help you explore your treatment options. Use our Free Doctor Match or call (866) 608-8933 to connect with Dr. Scott M. Atay or another experienced mesothelioma specialist and find the care that’s right for you.
Mesothelioma Hope has no affiliation with and is not endorsed or sponsored by Dr. Scott M. Atay. Any contact information listed is for informational purposes only. You have the right to contact Dr. Scott M. Atay directly.
Content You Can Trust
Jenna Tozzi, RN, is the Chief Patient Care Advisor for Mesothelioma Hope. With more than 15 years of experience as an adult and pediatric oncology nurse navigator, Jenna provides exceptional guidance and support to cancer patients and their loved ones. Jenna has been featured in Oncology Nursing News and is a member of the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators & the American Nurses Association.
