Get in Touch
Have questions? Call or chat with our Patient Advocates for answers.
Written by Karen Selby, RN | Medically Reviewed By Dr. Jeffrey Velotta | Edited By Walter Pacheco | Last Update: June 4, 2024
Medical dosimetrists have special training in radiation treatment machines and related equipment.
They turn the radiation oncologist’s written prescription into a mesothelioma treatment plan. They help determine how much and when the radiation should be delivered to the tumor.
Dosimetrists help figure out the best way to send radiation to a tumor. They work with radiation oncologists and medical physicists to develop these treatment plans.
Typically, a radiation oncologist chooses the type of radiation therapy for treating mesothelioma. However, the dosimetrist understands all of the commonly used radiation treatment options.
One of the most important jobs of the dosimetrist is to determine the distribution of radiation dosages. They aim to get the best tumor control without damaging surrounding healthy tissue.
Healthy tissue that may be negatively affected by radiation is called a dose-limiting structure.
For example, the heart may be a dose-limiting structure when treating the lungs. When treating peritoneal cases, the stomach or intestines may be dose-limiting structures.
The dosimetrist will limit damage to your healthy organs. Radiation to the tumor will meet the goal of slowing or killing the mesothelioma cells.
This way, the dosimetrist plays a critical role in your treatment plan and quality of life after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
They also try to make radiation therapy safer and more effective through clinical trials. A 2021 dosimetry research study showed that a helical tomotherapy-based platform for mesothelioma radiotherapy reduced lung damage.
Receive a free guide with the latest information on emerging treatments and clinical trials.
Get Yours NowSome medical dosimetrists begin as radiation therapists. They develop an interest in dosimetry — the processes and methods of measuring radiation doses.
To become a medical dosimetrist, radiation therapists study for one and a half to two years longer. Some radiation therapists choose to get a four-year Bachelor of Science degree.
Training includes attending the clinic and using what you learned in math classes, like algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. They also learn about physics and how to use computers to create 3D images.
After training, the candidates can take the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board exam.
The radiation oncologist or nurse is more likely to discuss your radiation options with you than the dosimetrist. They can share information on which healthy tissues may be affected by the radiation plan and what side effects to expect.
They can provide support regarding minimizing and managing radiation therapy’s downsides.
In general, dosimetrists do not specialize in mesothelioma or any other disease.
You can ask your doctor for a referral to a radiation therapy team with experience in treating mesothelioma. This kind of team is more likely to include a dosimetrist familiar with the disease.
Recommended ReadingThank you for your feedback. Would you like to speak with a Patient Advocate?
Your web browser is no longer supported by Microsoft. Update your browser for more security, speed and compatibility.
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
Selby, K. (2024, June 4). Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/
Selby, Karen. "Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment." Asbestos.com, 4 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/.
Selby, Karen. "Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 4, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/.
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
Selby, K. (2024, June 4). Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/
Selby, Karen. "Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment." Asbestos.com, 4 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/.
Selby, Karen. "Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 4, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/.
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
Selby, K. (2024, June 4). Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/
Selby, Karen. "Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment." Asbestos.com, 4 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/.
Selby, Karen. "Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 4, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/.
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
Selby, K. (2024, June 4). Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/
Selby, Karen. "Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment." Asbestos.com, 4 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/.
Selby, Karen. "Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 4, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/.
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
Selby, K. (2024, June 4). Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/
Selby, Karen. "Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment." Asbestos.com, 4 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/.
Selby, Karen. "Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 4, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/.
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
Selby, K. (2024, June 4). Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/
Selby, Karen. "Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment." Asbestos.com, 4 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/.
Selby, Karen. "Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 4, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/.
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
Selby, K. (2024, June 4). Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/
Selby, Karen. "Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment." Asbestos.com, 4 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/.
Selby, Karen. "Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 4, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/.
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
Selby, K. (2024, June 4). Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/
Selby, Karen. "Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment." Asbestos.com, 4 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/.
Selby, Karen. "Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 4, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/.
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
Selby, K. (2024, June 4). Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/
Selby, Karen. "Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment." Asbestos.com, 4 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/.
Selby, Karen. "Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 4, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/.
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
Selby, K. (2024, June 4). Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/
Selby, Karen. "Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment." Asbestos.com, 4 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/.
Selby, Karen. "Medical Dosimetrist for Mesothelioma Treatment." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 4, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/specialists/dosimetrist/.
A medical doctor who specializes in mesothelioma or cancer treatment reviewed the content on this page to ensure it meets current medical standards and accuracy.
Please read our editorial guidelines to learn more about our content creation and review process.
Dr. Jeffrey Velotta is an experienced thoracic surgeon and pleural mesothelioma specialist at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center in California. Velotta also serves as an assistant professor at the University of California, San Francisco.
A medical doctor who specializes in mesothelioma or cancer treatment reviewed the content on this page to ensure it meets current medical standards and accuracy.
Please read our editorial guidelines to learn more about our content creation and review process.
Dr. Jeffrey Velotta is an experienced thoracic surgeon and pleural mesothelioma specialist at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center in California. Velotta also serves as an assistant professor at the University of California, San Francisco.
Mesothelioma Center - Vital Services for Cancer Patients & Families doesn’t believe in selling customer information. However, as required by the new California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), you may record your preference to view or remove your personal information by completing the form below.