New York, New York
Andrea Wolf
Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Surgery
Expertise: Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, Esophageal Cancer, Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted Surgery and Laparoscopic Surgery
Languages: English, Hebrew
Mesothelioma Doctors
Table Of Contents
Mesothelioma doctors are experts in the unique treatment of this rare cancer. These doctors include surgeons, oncologists, radiologists and other experts at top cancer centers. Patients who see a mesothelioma doctor report better results.
Written by Sean Marchese, MS, RN | Edited By Walter Pacheco | Last Update: July 15, 2024
How We Rate & Rank Top Doctors
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com rigorously vets mesothelioma specialists. We select leaders in their fields, paving the way for future care standards.
Essential criteria:
- Tailor treatment plans for each patient.
- Participate in multidisciplinary teams at top U.S. cancer centers.
- Lead clinical trials and research, publishing findings in top journals.
- Lead discussions at national and global conferences.
Top Mesothelioma Doctors & Specialists
The best doctors have spent years treating patients with mesothelioma cancer. We use their unique experience to develop the criteria you and your family need to choose the best mesothelioma specialist. These mesothelioma experts can provide a range of treatment options based on your diagnosis.
Oakland, California
Jeffrey Velotta
Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Surgery
Expertise: Pleural Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiac Surgery and Surgical Oncology
Languages: English
Orlando, Florida
Marcelo DaSilva
Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Surgery
Expertise: Pleural Mesothelioma, Robotic Surgery, Heated Chemotherapy, Chest Reconstruction
Languages: English, French, Portuguese, Spanish
Santa Barbara, California
W. Charles Conway
Peritoneal Specialist | Surgical Oncology
Expertise: Peritoneal Mesothelioma, Thoracic Diseases, Cytoreductive Surgery and HIPEC
Languages: English
Chicago, Illinois
Mecker Moller
Peritoneal Specialist | Surgical Oncology
Expertise: Cytoreductive Surgery HIPEC
Languages: English, Spanish
Danbury, Connecticut
Daniel M. Labow
Peritoneal Specialist | Surgical Oncology
Expertise: Cytoreductive Surgery HIPEC
Languages: English
Family doctors or general oncologists may never encounter asbestos-related cancers, which can add stress to an already difficult time as you look for expert answers and a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. We want to ensure you have access to all the best resources and support you need to get through this challenging time.
The Mesothelioma Center can match you with one of 500+ experienced mesothelioma specialists. They’re board-certified, communicate with care and have strong support teams. We’ve connected patients and their families with the best resources for more than a decade.
Choosing a Doctor
Experience, hospital affiliation and availability are critical when choosing your mesothelioma doctor. Feeling comfortable and supported as a patient, caregiver or loved one is also essential when choosing your doctor.
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It’s never too early to look for a mesothelioma doctor. Even if you’re unsure of your history of asbestos exposure and early signs and symptoms, our Patient Advocates can connect you with top specialists. These doctors can confirm your mesothelioma diagnosis and begin planning your mesothelioma treatment.
What To Look for in a Mesothelioma Doctor
How do you determine what’s most important in a mesothelioma doctor? Everyone’s priorities are different. The following aspects are worth considering when choosing a mesothelioma doctor.
- Access to Clinical Trials: Top mesothelioma doctors often perform research alongside standard treatment. Your doctor should know about new or experimental treatments for your diagnosis. Clinical trials offer more opportunities for beneficial therapies.
- Availability: Choosing a mesothelioma doctor also means finding one available for rapid treatment. Your doctor should be able to provide care when you need it. Ask about virtual visits, phone consultations and support services in emergencies.
- Experience and Expertise: A specialist has spent years learning about this rare cancer, while a general oncologist’s skills can’t compare. The Mesothelioma Center only highlights renowned specialists who have excelled in their field.
- Hospital Affiliations: A top specialist should have access to the best resources. Ask your doctor whether they have privileges at the cancer center you prefer. Consider the staff, equipment and clinical trials available. You should also feel safe and welcome at each visit.
- Insurance Coverage: Top mesothelioma specialists work with Medicare and most private insurance companies. Patient Advocates will confirm your provider’s coverage for your chosen doctor and treatment center.
- Support Staff: Caregivers understand that mesothelioma care is not a one-person job. When choosing a doctor, you also receive care from their whole team. Your doctor should work with a licensed dietitian, physical therapist and other professionals.
We know insurance coverage and quality local care are priorities. Patients and caregivers can rely on our network of doctors to meet their individual needs. Selecting a specialist and health care team you trust can bring relief and peace of mind.
If you know you have previous asbestos exposure, inform your primary care physician and discuss regular mesothelioma screenings for you. Screenings can lead to an early mesothelioma or lung cancer diagnosis, which can help you qualify for more treatment options.
Michael Cole, Pleural Mesothelioma Survivor
“The most important qualities to look for in a mesothelioma doctor are a passion for their work, compassion for their patients and good communication skills. When your life is on the line, you want a competent doctor who cares.”
Types of Mesothelioma Specialists
Types of mesothelioma specialists include medical and radiation oncologists, surgeons, pulmonologists and pathologists. Each type of specialist is an expert in their field but works on a team with others. Together, they develop the best treatment plans for each patient.
- Medical Oncologist
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A medical oncologist specializes in conventional therapies such as chemotherapy. These specialists often work in research centers throughout the country.
- Radiation Oncologists and Radiologists
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A radiation oncologist develops a radiation therapy plan. These specialists determine the necessary radiation delivery method and dosage levels.
- Thoracic and General Surgeons
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A thoracic surgeon operates on the chest. A skilled surgeon reduces tumor mass to improve symptoms or extend life expectancy. They specialize in the lungs, heart, esophagus and diaphragm.
- Pulmonologist
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A pulmonologist is an expert in lung disease. They assist in the diagnosis and treatment of pleural patients. They also prescribe breathing exercises to compensate for lost lung function.
- Pathologist
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A pathologist studies tissue samples from a biopsy under a microscope. Tumor cells determine whether a patient has mesothelioma or another cancer, and pathologists use this information to diagnose mesothelioma.
- Palliative Care Specialist
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A palliative care specialist helps control symptoms in cancer patients. These experts understand how to manage cancer-related pain and treatment side effects. This type of care can improve quality of life.
Pleural mesothelioma survivor Michael Cole emphasizes that finding the right doctor means trusting your connection. “We need all the positive support we can get, especially from our doctor. Trust comes from good communication and a willingness to place our confidence in them to do their job,” he said.
Top Pleural Mesothelioma Doctors
The top pleural mesothelioma doctors in the U.S. exhibit exceptional leadership, teamwork, experience and knowledge. Some pleural doctors are oncologists who may prescribe chemotherapy to treat tumors in the chest cavity. Others are thoracic surgeons who remove tumors from the pleura or lungs.
Top Pleural Mesothelioma Doctors in the US
- Andrea Wolf: Thoracic surgeon and director of the New York Mesothelioma Program at Mount Sinai in New York City.
- Jeffrey Velotta: Thoracic surgeon and researcher at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center in California.
- Marcelo DaSilva: Chief of thoracic surgery and medical director at AdventHealth Cancer Institute in Orlando, Florida.
- Jacques Fontaine: Thoracic surgeon and director of the Mesothelioma Research and Treatment Center at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida.
- Anne Tsao: Medical oncologist, director of the Mesothelioma Program and Clinical Research Committee chair at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.
Pleural mesothelioma doctors diagnose and treat the cancer’s pleural form, which forms on the outer lung lining. These doctors are proven experts in their field and handle the most challenging mesothelioma cases daily.
Top Peritoneal Mesothelioma Doctors
The nation’s top peritoneal mesothelioma doctors are leaders in abdominal cancers and disease. Their teams are among the most experienced and knowledgeable regarding peritoneal mesothelioma.
Oncologists often prescribe chemotherapy to treat tumors in the abdominal cavity. Surgeons perform cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy to remove tumors from the peritoneal lining.
Top Peritoneal Mesothelioma Doctors in the US
- W. Charles Conway: Director of surgical oncology specializing in cytoreductive and robotic surgery at the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center in Santa Barbara, California.
- Mecker Moller: Surgical oncologist and professor of surgery at the University of Chicago. She performed South Florida’s first HIPEC procedure.
- Daniel M. Labow: Works at Nuvance Health Praxair Cancer Center in Danbury, Connecticut. He founded the HIPEC program at Mount Sinai Medical Center.
- J.F. Pingpank, Jr.: Surgical oncologist for the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and associate professor of surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
- Sophie Dessureault: Surgical oncologist specializing in HIPEC at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa with more than 20 years of experience.
Peritoneal mesothelioma doctors specialize in the abdominal form of this cancer, which forms on the peritoneum, the protective lining in the abdomen. They treat tumors that affect digestion and metabolism. Surgery with heated chemotherapy, or HIPEC, can improve the prognosis for peritoneal patients.
Find a Top Mesothelioma Doctor
Gain access to top mesothelioma doctors and get help scheduling appointments.
Connect NowPreparing for Your First Visit
Bring your medical documents and a list of questions, and be ready to communicate. The first appointment can be overwhelming, but a little preparation can help reduce stress. By the end of the visit, you’ll have a plan and feel more prepared to begin treatment.
How to Prepare for Your Initial Visit
- Be Honest and Open: Answer the doctor’s questions truthfully, ask any questions you have and express your concerns, and expect the doctor to listen and show empathy.
- Bring a List of Medications: Include all drugs and supplements you are taking with your dosages, and remember over-the-counter medications.
- Bring Someone with You: A family member or friend can take notes, provide emotional support and ask questions you might forget.
- Organize Your Medical Records: Bring all cancer-related records, including test results, biopsy reports and imaging studies, organized them by date or type for easy reference.
- Share Your Medical History: Include past surgeries, treatments and illnesses, and note any occupational history or asbestos exposure.
- Use a Notebook and Pen: Take notes during the appointment to remember what was discussed, and feel free to ask the doctor to repeat or clarify information.
- Write Down Your Questions: Prepare a list of questions before the appointment, and ask family or friends for additional questions to consider.
Organize your notes and remember your doctor will want to establish a new baseline. “The whole point is to have a fresh set of eyes with some expertise,” explains Dr. Andrea Wolf.
Questions to Ask Your Mesothelioma Doctor
The more information you have, the better you can make informed decisions. Always ask your doctor to explain anything you don’t understand.
Suggested Questions for Your Visit
- What is the stage and location of my mesothelioma?
- What are my treatment options and their benefits and risks?
- How often will I need to come in for follow-up appointments and scans?
- What is the expected timeline for treatment, and when will I know if it’s working?
Remember, the first appointment is just the beginning. You don’t have to make any decisions that day. Your doctor will guide you through starting treatment.
Common Questions About Mesothelioma Doctors
- What is the difference between a mesothelioma specialist and other oncologists?
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Mesothelioma doctors spend years specializing in diagnosing and treating this rare cancer. A specialist can access the latest treatment methods. They can also offer clinical trials that may improve life expectancy. General oncologists may never encounter mesothelioma.
- How important is the cancer center or hospital where my doctor works?
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A top hospital provides the necessary resources for your treatment. It also has the staff and personnel who assist your physician. A treatment center should be reputable with a positive history of treating mesothelioma.
- What types of doctors can provide a second opinion on a mesothelioma diagnosis?
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A mesothelioma specialist can provide a second opinion about your diagnosis. This type of doctor includes oncologists, surgeons and radiologists. They’ll offer treatment suggestions other doctors may not consider. Second opinions may also improve your chances of joining a clinical trial.
- Can mesothelioma specialists recommend clinical trials?
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Yes. A mesothelioma specialist is the best source for learning about a clinical trial. Your specialist will tell you about open clinical trials for your diagnosis. Some are only for patients who have yet to receive treatment. Some are for those who have run out of other treatment options. Sometimes you may need to travel to take part in a clinical trial.
- How do mesothelioma doctors determine the right treatment plan for me?
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A mesothelioma doctor considers your treatment based on your cancer. They’ll note cancer progression, medical and treatment history, and tumor cell type. They’ll also deliberate on the best approach with other mesothelioma experts.
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