A mesothelioma doctor is a specialist who treats mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer that affects the mesothelium and usually develops as a result of exposure to particles called asbestos. The mesothelium is a type of tissue found in several parts of your body, including the lining of the lungs (pleura), the lining of the abdomen and pelvic cavity (peritoneum), the sac surrounding the heart (pericardium), and the lining of the testes (tunica vaginalis). Mesothelioma doctors can include surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, mesothelioma specialist nurses, and other experts in the field. Receiving care from a multidisciplinary team with expertise in treating mesothelioma may help streamline patient care and give patients access to providers who are familiar with the current treatment options and clinical trials available for mesothelioma. The types of doctors that make up your mesothelioma treatment team might differ depending on the type of mesothelioma you have, the stage and location of your disease, your overall health, and your treatment goals.
Although its incidence is increasing, mesothelioma remains a rare cancer, affecting less than 35,000 people worldwide and less than 3,000 people in the United States each year. A mesothelioma doctor is a clinician who has expertise and experience diagnosing, treating, or researching one or more types of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment can be complicated and draws from many different medical specialties. Mesothelioma specialists may include many different kinds of doctors, such as different types of oncologists (doctors who specialize in treating cancer), including medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and radiation oncologists, as well as pathologists who specialize in diagnosing mesothelioma, and thoracic or pleural surgeons, who specialize in surgically treating diseases of the lungs.
How to Find a Mesothelioma Doctor
Raja Flores
An oncologist is a doctor who treats cancer. Because mesothelioma is so rare, not all oncologists are familiar with the disease and its treatments. If your local oncologist is not familiar with mesothelioma, they may consult with a specialist at a larger cancer center. Although there is no universal guideline, the United Kingdom (UK), which has the highest rate of mesothelioma in the world, defines a mesothelioma specialist as a doctor who sees more than 25 mesothelioma patients each year. Having a mesothelioma specialist on your care team helps ensure that you have access to someone who is familiar with the latest diagnostic standards and treatment options.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) that has been used for many different industrial applications. While many countries have now banned asbestos, it can still be found in buildings constructed before the widespread bans, and some developing countries still allow its use. Most people who are exposed to asbestos are exposed at work (occupational exposure). Other routes of exposure include secondhand exposure, such as by living with someone who works with asbestos, and environmental exposure, which can occur through handling products that contain asbestos or living in older asbestos-containing buildings or in areas where asbestos is still heavily used. Mesothelioma may appear many years or decades after asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma can begin in various sites, including the pleura and the peritoneum. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type, accounting for up to 90% of mesothelioma diagnoses. A pleural mesothelioma doctor specializes in diagnosing and treating this type of mesothelioma. Often, pleural mesothelioma doctors are specialists in treating thoracic (chest) conditions. Pleural mesothelioma doctors may recommend surgery, radiation, or systemic treatments, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and experimental drugs for treatment. Pleural mesothelioma surgeons specialize in surgeries that remove pleural tumors. Some of the most common surgical procedures for pleural mesothelioma include pleurectomy and decortication and extrapleural pneumonectomy.
A peritoneal mesothelioma doctor specializes in treating mesothelioma that begins in the peritoneum, or the lining of the abdomen. Many peritoneal mesothelioma specialists are surgical oncologists experienced in cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), a treatment strategy that combines surgical removal of tumors where possible and “washing” the peritoneum with heated chemotherapy during that same surgery. Cytoreductive surgery + HIPEC is a mainstay of treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Mesothelioma specialists will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment strategy for your disease, overall health, and personal goals.
The doctors listed on this page were selected to provide a helpful resource for patients seeking experienced mesothelioma specialists. Selection was based on publicly available information, including each physician’s current institutional affiliation, relevant board certification, experience treating pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma, participation in multidisciplinary care, involvement in mesothelioma research or clinical trials, and evidence that the physician currently provides clinical care.
This list is not a ranking, and no single physician is best for every patient. The right doctor depends on factors such as the patient’s mesothelioma type and stage, overall health, treatment goals, location, and insurance coverage. Inclusion on this page does not constitute a medical endorsement, and patients should consult their healthcare team when choosing a specialist.
Mesothelioma is a rare, complex, and serious disease. Definitive diagnosis often requires expert evaluation, and management often involves many aspects of oncology care, including surgery, radiation, and medical management. Experts recommend that mesothelioma care be overseen by multidisciplinary teams that include mesothelioma specialists who have previous experience diagnosing and treating the disease. Multidisciplinary care improves coordination between care providers and facilitates dialogue between specialties and second opinions when necessary. In addition, seeking care from mesothelioma experts familiar with modern research and treatment helps ensure that patients receive individualized and specialized care in line with the latest clinical guidelines for mesothelioma and have access to ongoing clinical trials when appropriate.
Choosing the best mesothelioma doctor can be easier when you know what to consider. You can use various tools to evaluate their experience, and if their approach mirrors what you’re looking for, you can research their background and ask them about their experience treating mesothelioma.
Some factors to consider as you evaluate a mesothelioma doctor include:
In addition to medical expertise, you may want to consider logistical concerns such as:
Most mesothelioma specialists are at large medical centers, so the nearest mesothelioma doctor with relevant experience for your diagnosis may not be local to your area. However, many specialists are willing to consult with local oncologists, which may allow you to receive some or all of your treatment closer to home.
Finding the right mesothelioma specialist can make a dramatic difference in your care. Look for specialists with direct, recent experience with your diagnosis whose approach matches your treatment goals. You may also want to consider their insurance acceptance policies, location, and how often you will be able to travel to see them.
No single doctor is the best for every patient or every situation. As you’re comparing mesothelioma doctors, you may want to ask questions like:
Getting a mesothelioma diagnosis and beginning the search for a mesothelioma doctor can be overwhelming. Mesothelioma Hub offers several resources to help you connect with the right mesothelioma specialist for you. Check out our patient resources, including:
Many doctors who treat mesothelioma are oncologists (cancer doctors). There are many types of oncologists, including surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. Other types of doctors who may diagnose or treat mesothelioma include thoracic (chest) surgeons and pathologists (who specialize in evaluating tissue).
An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer. A general oncologist may or may not have experience treating mesothelioma. A mesothelioma specialist is a doctor (often an oncologist) who has experience diagnosing and treating mesothelioma. Some mesothelioma specialists also participate in research or clinical trials about mesothelioma.
There is no single “best” mesothelioma doctor. The best doctor for you will depend on your diagnosis, stage, treatment preferences, location, and other variables. There are many mesothelioma experts at medical centers throughout the United States. Check out some of our recommended providers here.
Mesothelioma can be difficult to definitively diagnose. If you have questions about your diagnosis or recommended treatment, seeking a second opinion may help clarify your options. Consider talking with your doctor about options for a second opinion, or reaching out to a mesothelioma expert.
Most mesothelioma specialists in the United States are affiliated with major medical centers, such as Boston Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Mount Sinai, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, MD Anderson Cancer Center, UCLA, or the Moffitt Cancer Center.
If you suspect that you’ve been exposed to asbestos, let your doctor know right away. Your primary care doctor can help coordinate a referral to a mesothelioma specialist if necessary. Our free resource guide describes steps you can take after asbestos exposure.
Disclaimer: The medical professionals and healthcare institutions listed on this page have no financial relationship or business affiliation with Mesothelioma Hub or its affiliated organizations. These resources are provided for educational and informational purposes only to help patients make informed healthcare decisions.
Madeline works for the patient advocate team and writes about asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. She is passionate about helping families in the mesothelioma community.
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