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
Written by Sean Marchese, MS, RN | Edited By Walter Pacheco | Last Update: December 2, 2024
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com carefully vets specialists. We pick the best to lead future care standards.
Top doctors have spent years treating mesothelioma cancer. We use their experience to help you pick the best specialist. These experts offer treatments 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 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 connect you with over 500 specialists. All are board-certified, compassionate and backed by strong teams. We’ve linked patients and families to top resources for over a decade.
Choose a mesothelioma doctor based on experience, hospital ties and availability. It’s also crucial for everyone to feel comfortable and supported.
It’s never too early to find a mesothelioma doctor. Even if you’re unsure about asbestos exposure or early symptoms, our Patient Advocates can help. They will connect you with top specialists. These doctors can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and begin treatment planning.
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 understand that insurance and good local care are vital. Our network of doctors is here for patients and caregivers. Choosing a trusted specialist and team brings comfort and peace of mind.
If you’ve been exposed to asbestos, inform your doctor. Then, think about regular screenings for mesothelioma. Early detection of mesothelioma or lung cancer can open up more treatment options.
“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.”
Specialists for mesothelioma include oncologists, surgeons, pulmonologists and pathologists. Each one is an expert in their field. They work together to create the best treatment plans for patients.
A medical oncologist focuses on treatments like chemotherapy. Often, they work in research centers across the country.
A radiation oncologist creates a radiation therapy plan. They also decide how to deliver the radiation and its dosage.
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 make up for lost lung function.
A pathologist looks at biopsy samples under a microscope. They identify tumor cells to check for mesothelioma or other cancers. This process is key in diagnosing mesothelioma.
A palliative care specialist helps cancer patients with symptoms, manages cancer pain, and manages treatment side effects, improving quality of life.
Michael Cole, a survivor of pleural mesothelioma, underscores the need for trust in picking a doctor. He says, “We need all the positive support we can get, especially from our doctor,” he said. “Trust comes from good communication and a willingness to place our confidence in them to do their job.”
The best pleural mesothelioma doctors in the U.S. stand out for their leadership, teamwork, experience and knowledge. Some are oncologists who use chemotherapy for chest tumors. Others are thoracic surgeons who remove tumors from the pleura or lungs.
Top Pleural Mesothelioma Doctors in the US
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 doctors for peritoneal mesothelioma specialize in abdominal cancers. Their teams are the most skilled and informed in this area.
Oncologists often use chemotherapy to treat tumors in the abdomen. Surgeons perform cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. They use these to remove tumors from the peritoneal lining.
Top Peritoneal Mesothelioma Doctors in the US
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.
Verified Asbestos.com Survivor
Find a Doctor Today“You want a specialist who knows what they’re dealing with. That’s how I picked my doctor, and my patient advocate helped me with that.”
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 your 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
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 thoracic surgeon 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.
Suggested Questions for Your Visit
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 has the needed resources and staff to support your doctor. It should also have a good reputation and a history of successfully treating mesothelioma.
A mesothelioma specialist, such as an oncologist, surgeon, or radiologist, can offer a second opinion on your diagnosis. They might suggest treatments that other doctors miss. Getting a second opinion can also increase 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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The sources on all content featured in The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com include medical and scientific studies, peer-reviewed studies and other research documents from reputable organizations.
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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, December 2). Mesothelioma Doctors. Asbestos.com. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/doctors/
Marchese, Sean. "Mesothelioma Doctors." Asbestos.com, 2 Dec 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/doctors/.
Marchese, Sean. "Mesothelioma Doctors." Asbestos.com. Last modified December 2, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/doctors/.
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