01. Top Mesothelioma Doctors
Top Mesothelioma Doctors
02. Defining Mesothelioma Doctors
What Is a Mesothelioma Doctor?
A mesothelioma doctor is a physician who has specialized training and experience with malignant mesothelioma. These specialists have expertise in diagnosing and treating mesothelioma cancer. Mesothelioma doctors stay current on the latest research and treatment options. They may also stay updated on research for other asbestos-related illnesses.
This is why it’s important for patients to seek care from a mesothelioma specialist. General oncologists may not have this level of knowledge or experience with mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma doctors may also have various medical specialties, such as surgery. Top mesothelioma cancer centers typically offer patients access to a multidisciplinary care team. This means a patient’s care team will include doctors with different areas of expertise. Mesothelioma patients’ multidisciplinary teams may include:
- Cardiothoracic surgeons
- Medical oncologists
- Nurse navigators
- Palliative care specialists
- Radiation oncologists
- Radiologists
- Surgical oncologists
- Thoracic surgeons
Cancer care teams may consist of doctors with different specialties. For instance, the patient’s type of mesothelioma and treatment plan may influence the specialists needed.
Many mesothelioma doctors specialize in specific treatments. Doctors may also specialize in working with different types of mesothelioma. Patients may consider seeking treatment from doctors who specialize in their type of mesothelioma.
Pleural Mesothelioma Doctors
Pleural mesothelioma doctors specialize in the most common form of the cancer, which develops in the lining of the lungs. Medical oncologists, thoracic surgeons and others may specialize in treating pleural mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma specialists practice at top cancer centers across the country. Some top pleural mesothelioma specialists include:
Pleural mesothelioma doctors may recommend a multimodal, or combination, treatment plan for patients. Research shows multimodal treatments have been effective in extending pleural mesothelioma survival.
Multimodal treatment plans for pleural mesothelioma may include various therapies, such as:
- Chemotherapy: This is a common treatment for pleural mesothelioma. Specialists may recommend cisplatin with Alimta® (pemetrexed) or other chemotherapy drugs. Chemotherapy may be combined with surgery, immunotherapy or other treatments.
- Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP): EPP is a radical thoracic surgery to treat pleural mesothelioma. This surgery removes the impacted lung. Surgeons also remove portions of the diaphragm and the linings of the lung and heart. It may be combined with chemotherapy, radiation or other therapies.
- Immunotherapy: This treatment stimulates the immune system to treat pleural mesothelioma. Opdivo® + Yervoy® is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat inoperable pleural mesothelioma.
- Pleurectomy/decortication (P/D): P/D is a less radical pleural mesothelioma surgery than EPP. Unlike EPP, this surgery does not remove the impacted lung. P/D removes the lining of the lung and abnormal tissue around the lung.
- Radiation therapy: This treatment uses energy from radiation to help kill mesothelioma cancer cells. It has shown success in treating pleural mesothelioma.
- Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields): TTFields is a newer pleural mesothelioma therapy. TTFields uses low-intensity electrical fields to disrupt cancer growth. This treatment combined with chemotherapy has FDA approval for pleural mesothelioma.
Specialists may recommend any of these or other therapies to treat pleural mesothelioma. They will develop a custom plan based on the patient’s case. For instance, pleural mesothelioma oncologists will consider the patient’s stage, age and overall health.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Doctors
Peritoneal mesothelioma doctors specialize in the second most common form of the cancer. This type develops in the lining of the abdomen. Medical oncologists, surgical oncologists and other professionals may specialize in peritoneal mesothelioma. Some top peritoneal mesothelioma specialists include:
Peritoneal mesothelioma doctors can develop personalized treatment options for patients. Specialists will often recommend a multimodal treatment plan. These plans consist of two or more therapies. Research shows multimodal treatment plans have been effective in extending survival for peritoneal mesothelioma patients.
Multimodal treatment plans for peritoneal mesothelioma may include various therapies, such as:
- Chemotherapy: Doctors may administer chemotherapy in different ways to treat peritoneal mesothelioma. For instance, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) consists of a heated chemotherapy wash. Doctors administer HIPEC to the abdomen after surgery. HIPEC + surgery has shown success in improving peritoneal mesothelioma survival.
- Surgery: Doctors perform cytoreductive surgery to remove as much visible peritoneal mesothelioma tumor as possible. When combined with HIPEC, cytoreductive surgery may greatly improve mesothelioma life expectancy.
- Immunotherapy: This treatment may be another option for peritoneal mesothelioma. Researchers continue to test different combinations of immunotherapy drugs. For instance, a new trial will test Opdivo + Yervoy for peritoneal mesothelioma. This combination has FDA approval for pleural mesothelioma.
Peritoneal mesothelioma patients may also undergo palliative treatments. These therapies may provide symptom relief and improve quality of life. For instance, doctors may recommend paracentesis for some patients. It is a surgery to remove excess fluid in the abdomen that may be causing pain and breathing difficulty.
Peritoneal mesothelioma specialists will use many factors to develop a custom treatment plan. They will consider the cell type, stage and patient characteristics when making treatment recommendations.
Doctors for Other Types of Mesothelioma
Doctors may also have experience with rarer types of mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the lining of the heart, accounting for about 1% of diagnoses. Testicular mesothelioma is even rarer. It develops in the lining of the testes.
Because of their rarity, doctors have not yet established clear treatment guidelines for these types. However, patients may receive traditional therapies, including surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation. Other treatments may also be options depending on the patient’s case.
03. How to Choose a Mesothelioma Doctor
Choosing Your Mesothelioma Specialist
Choosing a mesothelioma specialist is an important decision. Patients should seek a mesothelioma doctor they feel comfortable with and can trust. When choosing a specialist, mesothelioma patients should consider various factors like the doctor’s experience and specialty.
- Level of experience: It is important for patients to work with a doctor who has experience treating mesothelioma. Because the cancer is rare, general oncologists may not know the best treatment approaches. Patients may want to ask how many years of experience a doctor has with mesothelioma. It may also be helpful to find out how many mesothelioma patients the doctor treats each year.
- Trust and communication: Mesothelioma patients should feel comfortable with their care team. Patients should be able to freely ask their doctor questions. Patients should also feel comfortable communicating any concerns. They should be able to trust their physicians.
- Doctor’s specialty: Patients may consider seeking treatment from a doctor who specializes in their type of mesothelioma. Patients should also keep in mind they may be treated by a multidisciplinary care team. They may want to consider the experience and expertise of the rest of the care team when making a decision.
- Doctor’s availability: Patients should check if any doctors they are interested in are available and taking new patients. Mesothelioma may progress quickly. After diagnosis, it is important for patients to seek treatment as soon as possible. Treatment may be the most effective way to improve mesothelioma prognosis.
- Clinical trial access: Many mesothelioma experts work at top cancer centers that participate in clinical research. This can help patients access mesothelioma clinical trials. These trials may offer patients access to new treatments that may extend survival. Clinical trials may also offer treatment at a lower cost than traditional therapies.
- Doctor’s location: Mesothelioma doctors practice at treatment centers across the country. Some patients may choose or need to travel to seek mesothelioma cancer treatment. When researching, patients should consider how far they are willing to travel for care. They should keep in mind potential travel and lodging costs when weighing their decision.
- Cost of services: Patients may have concerns about treatment costs. Patients should research which mesothelioma doctors accept their insurance plans. Patients may also talk to the cancer center about the costs of recommended treatments. They may want to ask about what costs may or may not be covered by insurance.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can be misdiagnosed. General oncologists may have never diagnosed or treated mesothelioma. This can cause delays in diagnosis or may hinder care for the patient.
Patients should seek a mesothelioma specialist to receive a second opinion and confirm the diagnosis. An accurate mesothelioma diagnosis can help ensure patients get the appropriate treatment. Mesothelioma experts can also help determine the best treatment options for an individual’s case. Treatment may extend patient survival and improve quality of life.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
04. Locate a Mesothelioma Specialist
Find a Mesothelioma Doctor Near You
Mesothelioma doctors practice at treatment centers across the United States. Some patients may need to travel to seek specialized care in nearby cities or states. However, many cancer centers offer resources to help patients and their loved ones seek care away from home.
Mesothelioma Doctors
05. First Appointment Expectations
What to Expect at Your First Mesothelioma Appointment
Mesothelioma patients may feel many emotions before their first appointment with a specialist. Preparation can help individuals feel calmer and make the most of the appointment.
It’s important to remember that patients do not need to make any firm treatment decisions at this first appointment. Patients and their loved ones should take the time they need to ask questions. They may want to spend time learning more about recommendations to feel empowered in their decisions.
Patients may have differing experiences at their first appointment. In general, the mesothelioma specialist will go over the patient’s diagnosis and medical history. They can go into detail about the patient’s specific case, such as the stage and cell type. The doctor may also go over test results, such as imaging scans taken.
After reviewing the case and answering questions, the doctor may recommend a treatment plan. Patients and their loved ones should ask questions to learn more. Treatment decisions do not need to be made that day.
06. Questions for Mesothelioma Doctors
Questions Patients Should Ask Their Doctor
Mesothelioma patients or their loved ones should feel empowered to ask their doctor any questions they have. The mesothelioma oncologist is there to support and care for them beyond administering treatment.
Patients may consider bringing a notebook to their appointments. It might be helpful to take notes, write down follow-up questions and keep track of important information. Patients may also consider asking a friend or loved one to accompany them. A loved one may come up with additional questions and act as a support system.
Seeking care from a mesothelioma doctor is an important step following a diagnosis. Patients should find the right doctor for them. Choosing a mesothelioma specialist can help ensure patients get the best care possible. A custom treatment plan for their individual needs may be the most effective way to improve prognosis.
07. Common Questions
Common Questions About Mesothelioma Doctors
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What is the difference between an oncologist and a mesothelioma doctor?
- Mesothelioma doctors understand the details of the rare cancer. For instance, doctors understand mesothelioma locations, cell types and progression. General oncologists may not have experience diagnosing or treating mesothelioma. Doctors who specialize in mesothelioma will have a deeper understanding of the disease. They will also be aware of the latest treatment options. Mesothelioma doctors may specialize in different fields. For instance, a pleural mesothelioma specialist may also specialize in thoracic surgery.
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Why is it important to see a mesothelioma doctor?
- Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that requires specialized care. A top mesothelioma doctor has the experience and expertise needed to accurately diagnose the disease. Specialists can determine a customized treatment plan. Once diagnosed, treatment may be the most effective way to improve prognosis.
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Should you seek a second opinion from a mesothelioma doctor?
- It can be helpful to seek a second opinion from a doctor specialized in your type of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma specialists have extensive knowledge and training for this rare cancer. They are also well-versed in available treatment methods. Seeking an expert can ensure an accurate diagnosis and help the patient get the best treatment plan possible.
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What type of doctors treat asbestos-related cancers?
- Physicians who treat mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer and other asbestos diseases may have various medical specialties. A patient’s care team may be made up of mesothelioma surgeons, oncologists and other health professionals. Unlike general physicians, mesothelioma doctors will stay current with the latest mesothelioma research. They also understand the best treatments.
