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.
Learn more about standard and emerging options in our Free Mesothelioma Guide — packed with 90+ pages of information to support patients and their families.
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.
Dr. Marcelo DaSilva
- Has 14 locations across Central Florida
- Takes part in more than 175 clinical trials every year
Dr. Jacques Fontaine
- Treatment outcomes are nearly 2.5 times higher than the national average
- Recognized by the National Cancer Institute
Dr. Dao Nguyen
- 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.


Dr. Dao Nguyen
MiamiDirector of Thoracic Surgery at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center


Dr. Farid Gharagozloo
OrlandoSurgeon-in-Chief of the Institute for Advanced Thoracic Surgery who performed the first robotic extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)


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


Dr. Marcelo DaSilva
OrlandoFounded 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.
Two of the leading peritoneal mesothelioma doctors in Florida are listed below.


Dr. Mecker Moller
MiamiSpecializes in cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center


Dr. Shanel Bhagwandin
JupiterMedical 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.
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.
See if you or a loved one can access compensation from asbestos trust funds.
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.