Dr. Matthew Steliga

About Dr. Matthew Steliga

Dr. Steliga applies a multidisciplinary approach to treat patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. He views each case as unique, partnering with a wide range of professionals to diagnose and treat cancer. He works closely with medical and radiation oncologists to develop custom treatment plans for his patients.

His areas of expertise include:

• Cancer care
• Lung cancer care
• Soft tissue cancer care

Dr. Steliga’s Career Highlights

• Certified in thoracic and general surgeries
• Completed his cardiothoracic surgery residency at MD Anderson Cancer Center
• Treats patients using minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques

Get help connecting with Dr. Steliga or other pleural mesothelioma specialists near you with our Free Doctor Match.

Dr. Steliga’s Background

Dr. Steliga is recognized as a top thoracic surgeon with expertise in mesothelioma and other malignancies.

He initially enrolled at medical school with the intention of becoming a pediatrician but gravitated toward thoracic oncology after working with phenomenal mentors.

After earning his medical degree at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Dr. Steliga completed a general surgery internship and residency at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences. He later completed a second residency in cardiothoracic surgery at the Texas Heart Institute.

Dr. Steliga previously worked at MD Anderson Cancer Center, treating patients and instructing students in cardiothoracic surgery. In 2009, he joined the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at UAMS and began working at Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Center in Little Rock.

“I find working at UAMS very rewarding. We work very closely with our pulmonologists, medical oncologists, interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, and pathologists, as well as our nurses. We all work together and do some really incredible things.”
– Dr. Matthew Steliga, pleural mesothelioma specialist

Medical Specializations

Dr. Steliga is a board-certified thoracic oncologist with a primary focus on esophageal and lung cancers, including mesothelioma. He has extensive experience with minimally invasive surgery, recognizing its ability to heal patients faster than traditional alternatives.

Dr. Steliga has experience in treating:

• Carcinoid tumors
• Chest wall tumors
• Lung nodules
• Pleural effusions
• Mesothelioma

Dr. Steliga also works in treating many types of lung cancer and works hard to encourage smoking cessation and help his patients quit.

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Dr. Steliga’s Career Accomplishments

Dr. Steliga became a top thoracic oncologist and mesothelioma specialist at a relatively young age.

His patients appreciate his excellent bedside manner, ability to listen, and detailed explanation of their conditions. He deeply cares about the individuals he works with, treating them with respect and kindness throughout the treatment process.

Dr. Steliga’s awards and honors include:

• ACS Fellow, 2014
• CMS Stage 1 EHR
• Regional Top Doctor

Dr. Steliga’s Current Work

Dr. Steliga is a thoracic oncologist in Arkansas. He specializes in chest cancers, including mesothelioma, and uses minimally invasive techniques as much as possible.

“In some ways, our goal has shifted from aggressive surgeries to more selective removal of the tumor, sparing as much as possible. All with the understanding that we’re trying to get rid of fluid to help people breathe better — and breathing better may, in turn, help people live better lives.”
– Dr. Matthew Steliga, pleural mesothelioma specialist

Dr. Steliga is a member of several associations, including:

• American Board of Thoracic Surgery (Member)
• American College of Surgeons (Associate Fellow)
• Cardiothoracic Surgery Network (Member)
• International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery (Member)
• Society of Thoracic Surgeons (Member)

Notable Work by Dr. Steliga

While working at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Dr. Steliga participated in research evaluating the preoperative identification of nodals in malignant pleural mesothelioma patients.

Traditionally, a mediastinoscopy (a type of biopsy technology) was frequently used to detect nodals in mesothelioma patients because of its success in doing so for lung cancer. The study explored the ability to detect mesothelioma nodals better using two forms of ultrasound: endobronchial and esophageal endoscopic.

Dr. Steliga and his colleagues examined 85 patients who received one of these exploratory procedures before a major mesothelioma operation. Of the 85 patients, 50 had received a mediastinoscopy, 38 had an endobronchial ultrasound, and 11 had an esophageal endoscopic ultrasound.

His research concluded that the patients who received an endobronchial ultrasound were the most likely to have the most accurately identified stage of mesothelioma.

However, all three forms of cancer detection were flawed, and overall performance is considered suboptimal. As a result, surgical exploration remains the best method for evaluating and staging mesothelioma.

Dr. Steliga’s Healing Philosophy

Dr. Steliga believes in a multidisciplinary approach to treating mesothelioma, where specialists from numerous fields collaborate to develop a treatment strategy.

“Mesothelioma is a very challenging cancer to treat. All these cases are handled in a multidisciplinary fashion. You look at each case individually, and in the context of that patient, figure out the best treatment plan.”
– Dr. Matthew Steliga, pleural mesothelioma specialist

He works with a comprehensive mesothelioma team at UAMS, which includes oncologists, pathologists, and radiation specialists. All of these professionals work together to develop treatment strategies that are personalized for each patient.

Dr. Steliga is also an advocate for minimally invasive surgeries, recommending them whenever possible. He also prioritizes each patient’s goals and wishes to ensure the treatment plan is in line with them.

Get in Touch With Peritoneal Specialists Like Dr. Steliga

Mesothelioma Hope can connect you with Dr. Steliga and other top mesothelioma doctors who can help improve your prognosis and quality of life.

Our Patient Advocates have close relationships with cancer centers across the country and can even help expedite your first appointment.

Call us now at (866) 608-8933 or use our Free Doctor Match service to get started.