Oncologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, some specific to mesothelioma cancer. Mesothelioma doctors understand the latest research and treatment advancements, including through clinical trials. In recent years, strides have been made in understanding and addressing the disease.
Patients diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma should seek the care of a specialist that has experience treating the disease to receive the best care. Mesothelioma doctors can help patients and families understand their prognosis, as well as any treatment options available.
Choosing a Mesothelioma Doctor
Not all physicians have experience with mesothelioma, so patients are typically referred to a cancer specialist by their healthcare provider. Finding a mesothelioma specialist is not only crucial to receiving the best treatment, but also to ensuring an accurate diagnosis. Early detection is difficult for mesothelioma, but the best way to improve prognosis. A mesothelioma specialist can diagnose the disease, or confirm a diagnosis, determining mesothelioma type, cell type, staging, treatment options and prognosis. With a thorough understanding of mesothelioma cancer, these doctors can help inform patients and their families.
Patients often have to travel to a comprehensive cancer center for specialized care. Most cancer centers are located in major cities, but there are mesothelioma doctors around the United States. Below is a guide to mesothelioma doctors by state.
Mesothelioma Doctors
It’s important for patients and their loved ones to find a doctor that they are confident and comfortable with to lessen their stress throughout their treatment journey. When selecting a doctor, patients should ask questions and gain a thorough understanding of the physician’s experience, treatment capabilities, level of trust and communication and ability to meet any patient concerns.
Top Doctors by Mesothelioma Type
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of the cancer, followed by peritoneal mesothelioma. There are many doctors that specialize specifically in one of these types with experience treating cancer of the lungs or cancer of the abdomen. For example, a doctor specializing in pleural mesothelioma will have additional insight into what treatment options are available, their effectiveness and new clinical trials and research that could be helpful for your individual case. When choosing a mesothelioma doctor, patients should look into their specialties to find someone well-versed in their type of cancer.
Initial Appointments with a Mesothelioma Doctor
It can be overwhelming for patients to attend their first appointment after a mesothelioma diagnosis, especially when they have to travel. A good way to prepare is by getting organized with information and questions that will help the doctor understand your concerns and all aspects of your individual case.
Patients should consider bringing:
- All medical records and scans
- A list of current medications, vitamins and supplements
- A list of current allergies
- Copies of insurance cards
- Any new patient forms that were sent prior to the appointment
- A friend or family member that can offer support, ask questions and listen
- A list of current questions and concerns
- A notebook to take notes during the appointment
Prior to the appointment, patients should also:
- Determine travel needs and travel times
- Figure out accommodations, if needed, and transportation to the doctor’s office
- Inquire about insurance coverage for the appointment
- Confirm the appointment time and any need for early arrival
- Have medical records sent from current doctors offices to new oncologist
What to Expect During the Appointment
Initial mesothelioma appointments can vary based on the cancer center, doctor and patient circumstances. Typically, they can last from 1 – 3 hours, and may start with a physical exam or additional testing. This is meant to provide more clarity regarding your diagnosis.
Mesothelioma doctors typically discuss the following during an initial appointment:
- Details of your diagnosis (type, cell type and stage)
- Prognosis, including life expectancy
- Potential treatment options
- Potential clinical trials
- When treatment will begin and what to expect
Questions to Ask Your Mesothelioma Doctor
Communication between mesothelioma patients and their medical care team is crucial throughout their diagnosis, treatment and after-care journey. Asking questions is a way to build strong communication, while also offering peace of mind to patients and their families.
Mesothelioma is a rare disease that not everyone is aware of, so it can be difficult to determine what questions should be asked. Patients should find a medical care team that will communicate with them throughout their treatment journey, and after, to address any concerns as they emerge.
Other Appointment Resources
Treatment typically doesn’t begin during an initial appointment, so patients have time to gather more information and discuss with family members before making final decisions regarding their treatment plan.
Before leaving the cancer center, there are a variety of other staff members that patients and their families can speak with, including nurses, other specialized oncologists, social workers and financial advisors. Nurses and oncologists can offer additional insight into medical questions and concerns that the patient might have after discussing with their mesothelioma doctor. Social workers can provide insight into a variety of resources, such as nearby travel and stay accommodations, spiritual resources and much more. Understanding treatment costs and insurance coverage can also be difficult, and financial advisors can be helpful for patients to establish a financial plan prior to their treatment journey.
