Find a Mesothelioma Doctor

Because mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, you may want to find a doctor who specializes in this asbestos-related disease. While local hospitals can offer standard cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, they often lack experience administering specific mesothelioma treatment methods. A mesothelioma doctor, however, deals with this disease on a regular basis and can offer patients specialized and up-to-date treatments and surgeries.

Choosing Your Mesothelioma Doctor

Your primary care physician can suggest a mesothelioma doctor or you can find a specialist on your own. A specialist is a doctor who has a license to practice medicine; has been trained and educated in a specific medical field; and successfully completed an exam administered by a specialty board. These physicians are then board certified in their field and have the option to select a subspecialty. Certain specialties and sub-specialties apply to mesothelioma treatment. For instance, thoracic surgeons specialize in diseases of the chest, which may be helpful for mesothelioma patients seeking surgical treatment.

Before selecting your mesothelioma doctor, you should consider questions such as:

• Does the doctor have experience treating mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases?
• Has the doctor been properly educated and trained?
• How many mesothelioma patients has the doctor treated?
• Has the doctor explained all possible treatment methods?
• Does the doctor explain medical information in terms I understand?

Because mesothelioma is a serious illness, it is important to find a doctor who has dealt with this type of cancer. Top mesothelioma doctors usually practice in larger cities or at well-known hospitals that are associated with first-rate research centers. In many cases, these mesothelioma specialists took part in research studies; therefore, they can offer mesothelioma patients the most up-to-date information on treatments and clinical trials.

Many patients find a mesothelioma specialist through their primary care physician or by contacting the American Cancer Society. However, to find a mesothelioma doctor today, simply choose your state from the drop down menu.

Additional Mesothelioma Doctor Resources:

• The Importance of a Second Opinion