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
Written by Sean Marchese, MS, RN | Edited By Walter Pacheco | Last Update: August 5, 2024
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com rigorously vets mesothelioma specialists. We select leaders in their fields, paving the way for future care standards.
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.
New York, New York
Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Surgery
Expertise: Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, Esophageal Cancer, Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted Surgery and Laparoscopic Surgery
Languages: English, Hebrew
Oakland, California
Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Surgery
Expertise: Pleural Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiac Surgery and Surgical Oncology
Languages: English
Orlando, Florida
Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Surgery
Expertise: Pleural Mesothelioma, Robotic Surgery, Heated Chemotherapy, Chest Reconstruction
Languages: English, French, Portuguese, Spanish
Santa Barbara, California
Peritoneal Specialist | Surgical Oncology
Expertise: Peritoneal Mesothelioma, Thoracic Diseases, Cytoreductive Surgery and HIPEC
Languages: English
Chicago, Illinois
Peritoneal Specialist | Surgical Oncology
Expertise: Cytoreductive Surgery HIPEC
Languages: English, Spanish
Danbury, Connecticut
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
A medical oncologist specializes in conventional therapies such as chemotherapy. These specialists often work in research centers throughout the country.
A radiation oncologist develops a radiation therapy plan. These specialists determine the necessary radiation delivery method and dosage levels.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gain access to top mesothelioma doctors and get help scheduling appointments.
Connect NowBring 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.
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.
The more information you have, the better you can make informed decisions. Always ask your doctor to explain anything you don’t understand.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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If you are looking for mesothelioma support, please contact our Patient Advocates at (855) 404-4592
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
Marchese, S. (2024, August 5). Mesothelioma Doctors. Asbestos.com. Retrieved September 16, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/doctors/
Marchese, Sean. "Mesothelioma Doctors." Asbestos.com, 5 Aug 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/doctors/.
Marchese, Sean. "Mesothelioma Doctors." Asbestos.com. Last modified August 5, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/doctors/.
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