Why You Should See a Mesothelioma Specialist
Mesothelioma is a rare and complex cancer that requires expert patient care from specialists who truly understand it.
Unlike other cancers, mesothelioma can develop in different areas of the body, including the lungs, abdomen, heart, or testicles. Each location presents its own challenges and requires a unique treatment approach.
A mesothelioma doctor can:
- Provide personalized care tailored to your type of mesothelioma
- Increase your chances of long-term survival
- Help manage symptoms to improve your quality of life
- Offer new treatments that general doctors might not know about
Choosing a mesothelioma specialist means more than finding a doctor — it’s choosing an expert and advocate who will support you with care, compassion, and the best treatment options for your diagnosis.
- Experience treating mesothelioma cancer
- Knowledge of the latest treatments
- Access to emerging therapies
- Affiliation with top cancer centers
Top Pleural Mesothelioma Specialists
Pleural mesothelioma forms in the lining of the lungs (pleura). Patients need specialized care from highly skilled doctors to ensure the best possible treatment results.
Some of the country’s leading pleural mesothelioma doctors include:
Dr. Raja Flores
25+ years of experienceChairman of the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York
Dr. Robert Cameron
20+ years of experienceChief of Thoracic Surgery at West Los Angeles VA Medical Center
Dr. Taylor Ripley
15+ years of experienceDirector of the Mesothelioma Treatment Center at Baylor College of Medicine’s Lung Institute in Houston
Dr. James Stevenson
20+ years of experienceVice-Chairman of Medical Oncology at Cleveland Clinic’s Taussig Cancer Institute in Ohio
Dr. David Harpole Jr.
20+ years of experienceThoracic surgeon at Duke University School of Medicine in North Carolina
Dr. Raphael Bueno
20+ years of experienceDirector of the International Mesothelioma Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston
Top Peritoneal Mesothelioma Specialists
Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). If you’ve been diagnosed with this rare cancer, finding the right doctor is essential for accessing advanced treatments and improving your prognosis.
Some of the country’s top peritoneal mesothelioma doctors include:
Surgical oncologist at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Director of the Mesothelioma Program at University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center Top Surgical Oncologist at the Nuvance Health Praxair Cancer in Connecticut Director of the Regional Therapies (HIPEC) Program at University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dr. James Pingpank
20+ years of experience
Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler
25+ years of experience
Dr. Daniel M. Labow
20+ years of experience
Dr. Mecker Möller
15+ years of experience
Whether you’re looking for a doctor who treats mesothelioma or need a second opinion on your diagnosis, Mesothelioma Hope can help. Use our Free Doctor Match to connect with mesothelioma specialists near you.
Types of Mesothelioma Doctors
If you’re diagnosed with mesothelioma, your treatment team will likely include several types of doctors who each have a specific role in your care. By working together, these specialists can give you the best chance at managing the disease and improving your well-being.
- General surgeons: Doctors who perform surgeries for diagnosis or certain treatments
- Medical oncologists: Specialists who treat cancer using chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other medicines
- Nutritionists: Experts who help you maintain a good mesothelioma diet to stay strong during treatment
- Palliative care specialists: Doctors who focus on easing symptoms and improving your comfort
- Pulmonologists: Lung doctors who treat breathing problems caused by pleural mesothelioma
- Radiation oncologists: Specialists who use radiation to shrink tumors and reduce pain
- Surgical oncologists: Surgeons who remove tumors to help treat peritoneal mesothelioma
- Thoracic surgeons: Doctors who perform chest surgeries like pleurectomy with decortication (P/D) or extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) for pleural mesothelioma
See All Top Mesothelioma Doctors
Read about other specialists who help patients diagnosed with mesothelioma:- Dr. Joel Baumgartner
- Dr. Richard N. Berri
- Dr. Shanel Bhagwandin
- Dr. Adam J. Bograd
- Dr. Raphael Bueno
- Dr. Bryan Burt
- Dr. Robert Cameron
- Dr. Michele Carbone
- Dr. Jeffrey Clarke
- Dr, Lorraine Cornwell
- Dr. Marcelo DaSilva
- Dr. Raja Flores
- Dr. Jacques Fontaine
- Dr. Joseph Friedberg
- Dr. Linda Garland
- Dr. Martin Goodman
- Dr. David Harpole Jr.
- Dr. Raffit Hassan
- Dr. Ryan Holbrook
- Dr. Kamran Idrees
- Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler
- Dr. Daniel M. Labow
- Dr. Eric S. Lambright
- Dr. Corey J. Langer
- Dr. Edward Levine
- Dr. Deepa Magge
- Dr. Mecker Möller
- Dr. Dao Nguyen
- Dr. James Pingpank
- Dr. David Rice
- Dr. Taylor Ripley
- Dr. Lary Robinson
- Dr. Matthew Steliga
- Dr. James Stevenson
- Dr. Anne Tsao
- Dr. Eric Vallieres
- Dr. Wickii Vigneswaran
- Dr. Nestor Ricardo Villamizar
- Dr. Daniel Wiener
- Dr. Dennis Wigle
- Dr. Andrea Wolf
- Dr. Marjorie Zauderer
6 Things to Look for in a Mesothelioma Specialist
You should feel confident in your physician-patient relationship. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and look for another doctor who listens to your concerns and respects your personal wishes and goals for treatment.
Below are 6 key factors to consider when picking the right mesothelioma specialist for you.
1. Experience Treating Mesothelioma
In the world of mesothelioma treatment, the amount of experience your doctor has isn’t just a number — it’s a powerful tool in your fight against cancer.
Your choice of specialist can significantly impact your treatment journey. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, request references, and research their professional background.
You can even ask them about other mesothelioma patients they’ve treated.
“If your doctor is not a professional and has not lived it and breathed it, get another oncologist. You need someone experienced — someone who’s going to fight for you and with you.”
2. Availability and Responsiveness
You’ll likely have questions about symptoms, treatments, and side effects, and you deserve timely answers.
You need a mesothelioma doctor who stays available and responds quickly because of how fast this cancer can progress.
If flexibility is important to you, ask the doctor if they offer online messaging or phone consultations if something comes up before your next in-person appointment.
3. Treatment Specialties
Mesothelioma specialists provide different treatments depending on their background and training.
These treatment options may include:
- Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells and prevent tumors from growing
- Immunotherapy to help the immune system identify and attack cancer cells
- Palliative care to manage pain and improve quality of life
- Radiation therapy to kill cancer cells in a particular area of the body
- Surgery to remove tumors and relieve painful symptoms
When choosing a doctor, focus on one who specializes in the treatments that interest you most.
“I’m living past my due time, and I contribute that to all the work we’ve done with the doctors.”
4. Location and Travel Costs
Getting mesothelioma treatment in your state can make the process simpler and more affordable. Staying closer to home means less travel, which can help keep your out-of-pocket expenses lower and reduce added stress on your family.
We’re here to make things easier. Use our Free Doctor Match to find a mesothelioma specialist near you and seek compensation to help cover treatment and travel costs.
5. Access to Clinical Trials
Specialists involved in clinical trials are often at the forefront of mesothelioma research. They have the latest knowledge about emerging treatments and can provide access to new medications or procedures that general oncologists may not offer.
By seeing mesothelioma doctors who participate in cancer research, you may be able to access new treatments that could potentially extend your life expectancy.
6. Bedside Manner
A specialist with a compassionate bedside manner can help reduce any feelings of anxiety and make you feel more confident in your treatment plan.
Your doctor should support and empower you, not talk down to you or make you feel afraid to ask questions about your health.
When you feel respected and understood by your doctor, you can focus on healing and being present with your family and loved ones.
”I needed a doctor who understood empathy and delivered medical information with compassion.”
How to Prepare for Your First Doctor’s Appointment
Your first appointment with a mesothelioma specialist is an important step in your care journey. Preparing ahead of time can help you feel more confident and make the most of your appointment.
Here are some tips to help:
- Collect any records of your work history, military service, or suspected asbestos exposure.
- Write down your mesothelioma symptoms and when they started.
- Request any medical records or imaging scans from your existing doctor.
- Bring a family member or friend to take notes, ask follow-up questions, and keep you comfortable and grounded.
There will likely be a lot to cover during your first visit. Download our Free Checklist of 14 Questions to Ask Your Doctor to stay organized and ensure you get the answers you need.
Get Connected With the Best Doctors for Mesothelioma
A mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming, but it’s important to stay hopeful — you have options, and support is available to you.
The first step in fighting this disease is to find a trusted mesothelioma doctor with the experience and resources to improve your health and quality of life. Mesothelioma Hope is standing by to connect you with local specialists who can provide the best treatments for you.
Our team can help you:
- Find mesothelioma doctors in your area
- Schedule an appointment with a specialist
- Pursue financial compensation for treatment
Reach out to us at (866) 608-8933 or use our Free Doctor Match to get connected with local mesothelioma specialists.
Mesothelioma Hope has no affiliation with and is not endorsed or sponsored by any of the doctors listed above. The contact information above is listed for informational purposes only. You have the right to contact these mesothelioma specialists directly.
Mesothelioma Specialists FAQs
What type of oncologist treats mesothelioma?
Treating mesothelioma requires a team-based approach, with oncologists and other specialists working together to provide comprehensive care.
- Medical oncologists use chemotherapy and immunotherapy to fight cancer.
- Radiation oncologists use radiation therapy to damage cancer cell DNA.
- Surgical oncologists may remove cancerous tissue and tumors.
- Thoracic surgeons specialize in chest surgeries, which may be necessary for patients with pleural mesothelioma.
Should I get a second opinion from a mesothelioma doctor?
Yes, getting a second opinion from a mesothelioma doctor is highly recommended.
Only a few thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year, and not all oncologists treat it. A mesothelioma specialist can review your medical records, perform additional imaging scans and biopsies, and either confirm or update your diagnosis.
The process of getting a second opinion could lead you to more effective treatments or an entirely new care plan altogether.
What is the best hospital for mesothelioma?
The best hospital for you will depend on your location, treatment needs, and personal preferences.
It’s a good idea to look for comprehensive cancer centers with specialized mesothelioma treatment programs.
These hospitals feature teams of mesothelioma experts who offer advanced treatment options. Many of them also conduct in-house clinical trials, providing new hope for patients who don’t get better with standard therapies.
How can I find a mesothelioma specialist near me?
Finding a mesothelioma specialist near you can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help.
Use our Free Doctor Match to connect with experienced mesothelioma doctors in your area.
Our team can also assist with travel planning and financial assistance if you need to visit a specialist out of state.
How We Can Help
