Pulmonologists and Mesothelioma

Top Mesothelioma Pulmonologists

What is a Pulmonologist?

A pulmonologist is a physician with specialized knowledge, training and skill in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary (lung) diseases.

Another name for a pulmonologist is a pulmonary disease specialist.

Pulmonology is a subspecialty of internal medicine. This means pulmonologists finish a three-year internal medicine residency and then complete a two-year pulmonology fellowship.

After those years in training, they can take a test to become board certified to practice pulmonary medicine. Pulmonologists actively lead clinical research trials to find new ways to diagnose and treat mesothelioma.

For example, a 2021 clinical research study suggested interventional pulmonologists can utilize EBUS-TBNA and EUS-B-FNA techniques to obtain pathological samples in a minimally invasive manner, rather than more invasive procedures. 

The American College of Chest Physicians and the American Thoracic Society offer additional information on this medical specialty.

Why See a Pulmonologist?

Mesothelioma is a very rare cancer.

Doctors who are not familiar with asbestos-related diseases can misdiagnose mesothelioma for more common conditions.

For this reason, pulmonologists often play a very important role in helping people with mesothelioma get an accurate diagnosis.

They can work with your oncologist and provide expert advice on managing the disease and its symptoms.

What Is a Pulmonologist Specialized In?

Pulmonologists are experts in the structure and function of the lungs, airways, pleura and blood vessels in and around these organs.

The pleura are the membranes around the lungs and lining the chest cavity. It is an area where mesothelioma tumors can occur.

When asbestos-related tumors occur on the pleura, the disease is called pleural mesothelioma.

As experts in the pleura, pulmonologists are an important part of a mesothelioma specialist team for someone living with the cancer.

What Types of Diseases Does a Pulmonologist Treat?

Pulmonologists diagnose, treat and manage a variety of diseases affecting the lungs, chest wall and chest cavity.

They specialize in how these pulmonary conditions affect the cardiovascular (heart and vessels) system.

Pulmonologists understand the inflammatory, infectious, cancerous, environmental and occupational causes of lung disease, too.

Common respiratory problems, such as uncomplicated asthma, typically are treated by general internists.

A pulmonary medicine specialist is called upon to diagnose unknown disorders and unusual respiratory system diseases such as mesothelioma.

What Does a Pulmonologist Do?

A pulmonary medicine specialist can help you manage your disease.

Pulmonologists possess the expertise and skills to help you manage symptoms as effectively as possible.

For example, a pulmonologist can prescribe medications and therapies to minimize shortness of breath and pain.

Featured News Post

Kaiser Study Shows Benefits of Mesothelioma Specialty Centers

Patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma are better managed and survive longer when treated at an integrated specialty center, according to a study by…

Tim Povtak

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How Do I Find a Pulmonologist with Mesothelioma Experience?

If you haven’t consulted with a pulmonologist yet, ask your oncologist for a referral to meet one.

A pulmonary medicine specialist can work with you and the rest of your health care team to create a mesothelioma care plan.

The right combination of medical team members, including a pulmonologist, can help you achieve the best possible outcomes after a mesothelioma diagnosis.