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Florida Mesothelioma Treatment

Asbestos use has led to thousands of cases of mesothelioma in Florida. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer with a generally poor outlook. Fortunately, mesothelioma patients in Florida have access to various treatment options that may improve their prognosis and enhance their quality of life. Learn more about Florida mesothelioma treatment, including cancer centers and top doctors that help people with this disease.

Fact-Checked and Updated by: Jenna Tozzi, RN

Last updated:

About Mesothelioma Treatment in Florida

Florida has many cancer centers that offer a range of mesothelioma treatments provided by leading specialists who specialize in this rare and aggressive cancer.

Mesothelioma treatment options available in Florida include:

  • Surgery: Depending on their type and stage of mesothelioma, patients may be able to undergo surgical procedures to remove tumors and increase their life expectancy.
  • Chemotherapy: Cancer-fighting chemotherapy drugs can be used as a primary treatment for mesothelioma or in combination with surgery or radiation therapy.
  • Radiation therapy: High-energy radiation can be used to kill cancer cells. This type of therapy can be administered as a primary treatment for mesothelioma or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy.
  • Tumor treating fields (TTFields): This recently approved first-line treatment for pleural mesothelioma involves attaching pads to the patient’s chest to produce a low-grade electrical field that prevents cancer cells from dividing. When combined with chemotherapy, TTFields can slow cancer growth and extend survival.
  • Immunotherapy: This is a relatively new type of mesothelioma treatment that helps the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
  • Clinical trials: Several cancer centers and clinics in Florida offer clinical trials to help patients access emerging treatments or new combinations of treatments for mesothelioma.

Find a doctor to help create your mesothelioma treatment plan — use our Free Doctor Match to connect with top specialists and surgeons in your area.

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Florida Mesothelioma Treatment Centers

There are several top mesothelioma cancer centers in Florida that specialize in the treatment of mesothelioma.

These centers offer a range of treatment options, including mesothelioma surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and clinical trials.

Mesothelioma Specialist
  • Has 14 locations across Central Florida
  • Takes part in more than 175 clinical trials every year
Mesothelioma Specialist
  • Treatment outcomes are nearly 2.5 times higher than the national average
  • Recognized by the National Cancer Institute
Mesothelioma Specialist
  • One of five medical centers that offers RapidArc® intensity-modulated radiation therapy
  • Recognized by the National Cancer Institute

Florida Mesothelioma Doctors

Because mesothelioma can spread so quickly, patients need to get care from highly trained doctors with extensive experience diagnosing, researching, and treating this aggressive cancer.

Fortunately, specialized mesothelioma doctors in Florida have dedicated their careers to helping patients.

Top Pleural Mesothelioma Specialists in Florida

About 80% of all mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs.

Here are some of the leading pleural mesothelioma doctors in Florida.

Director of Thoracic Surgery at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Director of the Mesothelioma Research and Treatment Center at Moffitt Cancer Center who was trained by the late Dr. David Sugarbaker

Founded the mesothelioma treatment center at AdventHealth Cancer Institute

Top Peritoneal Mesothelioma Specialists in Florida

Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common form of this cancer and affects the peritoneum, the thin membrane that lines the abdomen.

One of the state’s leading peritoneal mesothelioma doctors is highlighted below.

Medical Director of the Gastrointestinal Surgical Oncology Program at Jupiter Medical Center

Mesothelioma Patient Care Teams in Florida

Mesothelioma patient care teams offer multidisciplinary care tailored to individual patient needs, incorporating the latest diagnostic techniques, treatments, and clinical trials.

Florida patient care teams for mesothelioma treatment include:

  • Medical oncologists
  • Nurses
  • Radiation oncologists
  • Social workers
  • Pathologists
  • Patient advocates
  • Pulmonologists
  • Thoracic surgeons

Care teams at Florida mesothelioma centers also offer helpful services like palliative (symptom-relieving) treatment, support groups, and educational programs to help patients and families navigate a cancer diagnosis.

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.

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  • Preparing for treatment
  • Finding clinical trials
  • Getting a second opinion

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Florida Mesothelioma Research and Clinical Trials

Florida is home to several medical centers and hospitals that are conducting cutting-edge cancer research and clinical trials for mesothelioma.

Some leading mesothelioma research centers in Florida include:

  • AdventHealth Cancer Institute
  • Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
  • Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute
  • Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
  • Orlando Health Cancer Institute
  • University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

Mesothelioma research in Florida is focused on improving how this cancer is diagnosed, treated, and managed.

Clinical trials are a key component of this research, and several institutions in the state offer access to these trials for mesothelioma patients.

Our Patient Advocates can help you find clinical trials at top Florida mesothelioma treatment centers. Call (866) 608-8933 right now to get started.

Scope of Asbestos-Related Diseases in Florida

Florida has the second-highest rate of asbestos-related diseases in the United States, primarily due to its large population of retirees, many of whom were exposed to asbestos earlier in life through their job, military service, or family members.

A report from the Environmental Working Group Action Fund found Florida to have the second-highest number of asbestos-related deaths in the country, with 12,749 deaths between 1999 and 2017.

Mesothelioma is very aggressive, and many Floridians die from it each year. However, by seeking mesothelioma treatment at top cancer centers within the state, patients currently fighting this cancer can get the help they need to live longer and feel better.

Cost of Mesothelioma Treatment in Florida

Mesothelioma treatment costs in Florida can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors, such as your insurance coverage and treatment plan.

Some Florida health insurance plans that may be accepted by mesothelioma treatment centers include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Humana.

However, the total cost of treating mesothelioma can easily exceed $500,000, according to registered nurse Amy Fair. This total cost includes expenses such as diagnostic tests, surgeries, follow-up care, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, medication, and more. The average monthly cost of chemotherapy alone is $10,000.

Thankfully, there are a range of financial support options available to help cover the cost of cancer treatment.

Financial Assistance for Florida Mesothelioma Patients

Many Florida cancer centers can connect patients with financial assistance options to help cover the costs of mesothelioma treatment.

Mesothelioma patients in Florida can pursue additional various forms of financial assistance with help from an asbestos lawyer.

Learn more about the various ways to seek compensation for your or a loved one’s asbestos-related illness.

Asbestos Trust Fund Claims

Mesothelioma patients in Florida may be eligible to file claims with asbestos trust funds to receive compensation for their illness.

These trusts were established by bankrupt asbestos companies to compensate victims of asbestos exposure.

VA Benefits Claims

Veterans with mesothelioma in Florida can seek benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to cover their treatment costs.

Florida has several VA resources available to veterans, including the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa.

VA benefits may include medical care, disability compensation, and other forms of assistance.

Learn more about benefits available to Florida veterans with mesothelioma in our Free Veterans Compensation Guide.

Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Mesothelioma patients in Florida may be able to file a lawsuit against the companies responsible for their asbestos exposure.

A successful mesothelioma lawsuit can award compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Mesothelioma Cancer Support Resources in Florida

Mesothelioma cancer patients in Florida have access to several cancer support resources that offer medical, emotional, and financial assistance.

These include the American Cancer Society, Cancer Support Community, and Gilda’s Club South Florida.

There are also nonprofit organizations such as the Cancer Alliance of Naples that provide free services to patients with mesothelioma and other cancers.

Additionally, the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation provides financial support to cancer patients.

Get Help Finding Florida Mesothelioma Treatment

If you or a loved one lives in Florida and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, there is treatment available to improve your prognosis.

Find personalized mesothelioma treatment options in Florida today and increase your chances of long-term survival.

Reach out to our Patient Advocates now at (866) 608-8933 so they can connect you with mesothelioma treatment information and support services.

Jenna TozziWritten by:

Director of Patient Advocacy

Jenna Tozzi, RN, is the Director of Patient Advocacy at Mesothelioma Hope. With more than 15 years of experience as an adult and pediatric oncology nurse navigator, Jenna provides exceptional guidance and support to mesothelioma 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.

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References
  1. AdventHealth Cancer Institute. (2023). Retrieved February 15, 2024, from https://www.adventhealthcancerinstitute.com/
  2. AdventHealth Cancer Institute. (2023). More Clinical Trials. More Life-Saving Options. Retrieved February 15, 2024, from https://www.adventhealthcancerinstitute.com/cancer-treatment-innovations/clinical-trials
  3. Canadian Cancer Society. (n.d.). Clinical Trials. Retrieved February 15, 2024, from http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/diagnosis-and-treatment/clinical-trials/?region=on
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). United States and Puerto Rico Cancer Statistics, 1999-2018 Incidence Archive Request. Retrieved February 15, 2024, from https://wonder.cdc.gov/controller/datarequest/D172;jsessionid=DA3FC143B54F55C2AAA615EBC193?stage=results&action=sort&direction=MEASURE_DESCEND&measure=D172.M1
  5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. (2018). Underlying cause of death 1999-2017 on CDC WONDER online database. Retrieved February 15, 2024, from http://wonder.cdc.gov/ucd-icd10.html
  6. Moffitt Cancer Center. (2023). Retrieved February 15, 2024, from https://moffitt.org/
  7. Moffitt Cancer Center. (November 2021). Mesothelioma Outcomes. Retrieved February 15, 2024, from https://moffitt.org/about-moffitt/outcomes/mesothelioma/
  8. National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Find a Cancer Center. Retrieved February 15, 2024, from https://www.cancer.gov/research/infrastructure/cancer-centers/find
  9. National Cancer Institute (2019, June 24). NCI-Designated Cancer Centers. Retrieved February 15, 2024, from https://www.cancer.gov/research/infrastructure/cancer-centers
  10. National Cancer Institute. (November 2021). Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program. SEER*Stat Database: Incidence – SEER 17 Regs Research Data + Hurricane Katrina Impacted Louisiana Cases, Nov 2021 Sub (2000-2019). Retrieved February 15, 2024, from https://seer.cancer.gov/statistics/
  11. University of Miami Health System. (2023). Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Retrieved February 15, 2024, from https://umiamihealth.org/en/sylvester-comprehensive-cancer-center
  12. University of Miami Health System. (2023). Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center: Mesothelioma. Retrieved February 15, 2024, from https://umiamihealth.org/en/sylvester-comprehensive-cancer-center/treatments-and-services/lung-and-chest-cancer/mesothelioma
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Mesothelioma Hope is passionate about helping patients and families affected by this aggressive cancer. A mesothelioma diagnosis can be scary and isolating, but we’re here for you at every step. Hope is only a phone call away.

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