01. Top Mesothelioma Doctors
Top Mesothelioma Doctors
How We Identify Top Mesothelioma Doctors
The doctors on Mesothelioma.com undergo an in-depth vetting process before being added to the site. Criteria used to evaluate mesothelioma specialists include:
- Are they involved with clinical trials aimed at advancing mesothelioma treatment?
- Do they currently practice at a top mesothelioma cancer center?
- Do they specialize in treating mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases?
- Have they published mesothelioma-related research in well-respected medical journals?
02. Mesothelioma Doctors Overview
What Is a Mesothelioma Doctor?
A mesothelioma doctor is a physician who has specialized training and experience with malignant mesothelioma. These specialists have expertise in diagnosing and treating mesothelioma cancer. Mesothelioma doctors stay current on the latest research and treatment options. They may also stay updated on research for other asbestos-related illnesses.
For these reasons, it may be better for mesothelioma patients to seek care from a mesothelioma specialist. General oncologists may not have this level of knowledge or experience with this type of cancer.
Mesothelioma doctors may also have various medical specialties, such as surgery. Top mesothelioma cancer centers typically offer patients access to a multidisciplinary care team.
Cancer care teams may consist of doctors with different specialties. For instance, the patient’s type of mesothelioma and treatment plan may influence the specialists needed.
Pleural Mesothelioma Doctors
Pleural mesothelioma doctors specialize in the most common form of this cancer, which develops in the lining of the lungs. Medical oncologists, thoracic surgeons and others may specialize in treating pleural mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma specialists practice at top cancer centers across the country. Some top pleural mesothelioma specialists include:
Pleural mesothelioma doctors may recommend a multimodal, or combination, treatment plan for patients. Research shows multimodal treatments have been effective in extending pleural mesothelioma survival.
Multimodal treatment plans for pleural mesothelioma may include various therapies, such as:
- Chemotherapy: This is a common treatment for pleural mesothelioma. Specialists may recommend cisplatin with Alimta® (pemetrexed) or other chemotherapy drugs. Chemotherapy may be combined with surgery, immunotherapy or other treatments.
- Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP): EPP is a radical thoracic surgery to treat pleural mesothelioma. This surgery removes the impacted lung. Surgeons also remove portions of the diaphragm and the linings of the lung and heart. It may be combined with chemotherapy, radiation or other therapies.
- Immunotherapy: This treatment stimulates the immune system to treat pleural mesothelioma. The combination of Opdivo® + Yervoy® is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat inoperable pleural mesothelioma. These drugs are a type of immunotherapy called checkpoint inhibitors.
- Pleurectomy/decortication (P/D): P/D is a less radical pleural mesothelioma surgery than EPP. Unlike EPP, this surgery does not remove the impacted lung. P/D removes the lining of the lung and abnormal tissue around the lung.
- Radiation therapy: This treatment uses energy from radiation to help kill mesothelioma cancer cells. It has shown success in treating pleural mesothelioma.
- Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields): TTFields are a newer pleural mesothelioma therapy. TTFields use low-intensity electrical fields to disrupt cancer growth. This treatment combined with chemotherapy has FDA approval for pleural mesothelioma.
Specialists may recommend any of these or other therapies to treat pleural mesothelioma. They can develop a customized plan based on the patient’s case. This plan may depend on factors like the patient’s cancer stage, age and overall health.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Doctors
Peritoneal mesothelioma doctors specialize in the second most common form of this cancer. This type develops in the lining of the abdomen. Medical oncologists, surgical oncologists and other professionals may specialize in peritoneal mesothelioma. Some top peritoneal mesothelioma specialists include:
Peritoneal mesothelioma doctors can develop personalized treatment options for patients. Specialists will often recommend a multimodal treatment plan. These plans consist of two or more therapies. Research shows multimodal treatment plans have been effective in extending survival for peritoneal mesothelioma patients.
Multimodal treatment plans for peritoneal mesothelioma may include various therapies, such as:
- Chemotherapy: Doctors may administer chemotherapy in different ways to treat peritoneal mesothelioma. For instance, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) consists of a heated chemotherapy wash. Doctors administer HIPEC to the abdomen after surgery. HIPEC + surgery has shown success in improving peritoneal mesothelioma survival.
- Immunotherapy: This treatment may be another option for peritoneal mesothelioma. Researchers continue to test different combinations of immunotherapy drugs. For instance, a new trial will test Opdivo + Yervoy for peritoneal mesothelioma. This combination has FDA approval for pleural mesothelioma.
- Surgery: Doctors perform cytoreductive surgery to remove as much visible tumor as possible. When combined with HIPEC, cytoreductive surgery may greatly improve mesothelioma life expectancy.
Peritoneal mesothelioma patients may also undergo palliative treatments. These therapies may provide symptom relief and improve quality of life. For instance, doctors may recommend paracentesis for some patients. This surgery removes excess fluid in the abdomen that may be causing pain and breathing difficulty.
Peritoneal mesothelioma specialists review many factors to develop a customized treatment plan. They will consider the cell type, stage and patient characteristics when making treatment recommendations.
Doctors for Other Types of Mesothelioma
Doctors may also have experience with rarer types of mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the lining of the heart, accounting for about 1% of diagnoses. Testicular mesothelioma is even rarer. It develops in the lining of the testes.
Because of their rarity, doctors have not yet established clear treatment guidelines for these types. However, patients may receive traditional therapies, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Other treatments may also be available depending on the patient’s case.
03. How to Choose a Mesothelioma Doctor
Choosing Your Mesothelioma Specialist
Choosing a mesothelioma specialist is an important decision. Patients can use resources to find a mesothelioma doctor they feel comfortable with and can trust. When choosing a specialist, mesothelioma patients can consider various factors like the doctor’s experience and specialty.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can be misdiagnosed. General oncologists may have never diagnosed or treated mesothelioma. This can cause delays in diagnosis or may hinder care for the patient.
Patients should seek a mesothelioma specialist to receive a second opinion and confirm the diagnosis. An accurate mesothelioma diagnosis can help ensure patients get the appropriate treatment. Mesothelioma experts can also help determine the best treatment options for an individual’s case. Treatment may help extend patient survival and improve quality of life.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
04. Locate a Mesothelioma Specialist
Find a Mesothelioma Doctor Near You
Mesothelioma doctors practice at treatment centers across the United States. Some patients may need to travel to seek specialized care in nearby cities or states. However, many cancer centers offer resources to help patients and their loved ones seek care away from home.
