Newly diagnosed cancer patients have many choices to make. One of the most important is whether to seek treatment with a general oncologist or a specialist. Both of these doctors treat cancer, but one may be a better choice for mesothelioma patients.
Oncologists and specialists offer different advantages for specific patients. Keep reading to learn which type of doctor may be best suited to your case.
1: Specialists Treat More Cases of Specific Cancers
General oncologists and mesothelioma specialists differ in training and experience:
- General oncologists: Have broad knowledge of common cancers and treatments
- Mesothelioma specialists: Have in-depth knowledge of mesothelioma and its treatment
A general oncologist could see 25 — 30 cancer patients in a single day. But across an entire career, they may only see a few cases of mesothelioma.
But specialists only treat patients with certain cancers. They may focus on tumors in the same general area. Pleural mesothelioma specialists often treat cancers that develop in the chest. This means they see far more mesothelioma patients than a general oncologist would.
And seeing more mesothelioma patients can mean better outcomes. In studies, patients lived longer when treated by doctors with more mesothelioma experience. So mesothelioma specialists may offer the most advantages for patients with this rare cancer.
2: Specialists Know the Latest Treatment Options for Mesothelioma
Despite the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, cancer research happens at a remarkable pace. Just this year, more than 45,000 cancer treatment articles have been published. A general oncologist could never get through them all.
But a mesothelioma specialist can filter through a few hundred studies and be up to date. A specialist may also have time to attend mesothelioma conferences. This allows the doctor to learn the benefits and risks of each available therapy. So patients can feel confident in a mesothelioma specialist’s treatment recommendations.
Specialty Mesothelioma Care Improves Treatment Outcomes
According to experts, oncologists who specialize may provide better outcomes, and research agrees. A recent study indicates that patients who see a mesothelioma specialist have:
- Better access to surgery
- Improved survival (for patients receiving surgery)
- Improved treatment use overall
These benefits may stem from specialists’ deep understanding of the newest treatments. Mesothelioma doctors can also help patients understand which clinical trials may be most beneficial, if any.
3: Specialists Often Have Better Access to Resources
Specialists get additional benefits when they work in dedicated facilities. Larger healthcare systems with centers of excellence often have more resources, like:
- Comprehensive patient support: Centers of excellence offer financial guidance, nutritional counseling, care coordination and more. These services can lighten the load for patients, helping them make the most of treatment.
- Easier access to clinical trials: Larger cancer centers often participate in clinical trials. These studies help patients access promising new treatments that may not be available elsewhere.
- Extensive care teams: A larger cancer center may also have a wider variety of providers with specialty experience. In a hospital with a focused program, you may find dietitians and physical therapists who’ve helped many mesothelioma patients.
Some general oncologists work in smaller community health centers. In these facilities, even specialists might have limited outcomes because they lack resources. So mesothelioma patients may want to choose a specialist at a larger cancer center.
Final Thoughts on Choosing an Oncologist vs. a Mesothelioma Specialist
Experts estimate that doctors will diagnose nearly 2 million people in the United States with cancer in 2025. In comparison, only about 3,000 patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and treating it does take experience.
It’s important to remember that every cancer and its treatment plan is unique. General oncologists have broad skills and knowledge, which may help with more common cancers. But for a rare cancer like mesothelioma, specialists have the expertise and training to provide the best patient care.
