Mesothelioma Cancer Centers

Mesothelioma cancer centers have the best doctors and treatment options available for patients with this rare disease. Veterans with mesothelioma can seek treatments from civilian hospitals or cancer centers operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Top mesothelioma treatment centers include Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.

Medically reviewed by: Todd Gersten, MD Double Board-Certified Oncologist and Hematologist

Get a FREE Veterans Packet

Benefits of Getting Treatment at a Mesothelioma Cancer Center

Choosing to get treated at a cancer center after a mesothelioma diagnosis is very important. Mesothelioma is so rare and aggressive, so being treated at a specialized mesothelioma cancer center will give you the best chance of reaching long-term survival.

Thankfully, there are many hospitals in the U.S. that offer treatments for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

These facilities are home to:

Mesothelioma surgeons (who can remove cancer tumors)
Pathologists (who study cancer cells)
Radiation oncologists (who use radiation to kill cancer cells)
Social workers (who serve as advocates for cancer patients)

There are dozens of cancer hospitals in the country and veterans with mesothelioma have even more options. These veterans can often access care from medical centers within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which don’t treat civilians.

Get our Free Veterans Packet for help exploring your treatment options after a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Top VA Cancer Centers for Veterans With Mesothelioma

There are several mesothelioma cancer centers within the VA health care system. These centers care for veterans who develop mesothelioma after military asbestos exposure. Some of the world's top mesothelioma doctors work at these VA cancer centers.

West Los Angeles VA Medical Center

Los Angeles, California

SpecialistDr. Robert Cameron

ProceduresPleurectomy with decortication (P/D)

The West Los Angeles VA Medical Center has treated veterans with pleural mesothelioma since 1998. It is the largest hospital in the VA system that treats mesothelioma patients and is part of the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System.

World-renowned mesothelioma specialist Dr. Robert Cameron leads the cancer program at this facility.

Dr. Cameron developed a groundbreaking surgery for mesothelioma called pleurectomy with decortication (P/D). Unlike other mesothelioma surgeries, a P/D does not remove the lung closest to the cancer tumors, helping preserve quality of life.

Other treatment options at the West Los Angeles VA include:

Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy
Radiation therapy
New treatments in clinical trials

The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System is accredited by the Joint Commission, a nonprofit that seeks to improve the standards of medical care. Being accredited means that the facility provides the highest quality medical treatment to patients.

This mesothelioma cancer center also offers housing and transportation programs for veterans that don’t live near Los Angeles.

VA Boston Healthcare System

West Roxbury, Massachusetts

SpecialistDr. Daniel Wiener

ProceduresExtrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)

The VA Boston Healthcare System treats veterans with mesothelioma who often live on the East Coast. Dr. Daniel Wiener leads the Boston VA's mesothelioma treatment program.

The VA Boston Healthcare System treats hundreds of pleural mesothelioma patients each year using surgeries such as P/D, extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), and video-assisted thoracic surgery. It also offers mesothelioma clinical trials that may help improve life expectancy of veterans with mesothelioma.

This facility is partnered with Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, one of the top civilian mesothelioma treatment centers, to ensure veterans get the best care possible.

Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center

Houston, Texas

SpecialistDr. Lorraine Cornwell

ProceduresExtrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)

The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center began treating mesothelioma patients in 2019. A multidisciplinary team, including mesothelioma specialists Dr. Lorraine Cornwell and Dr. Taylor Ripley, who treats patients at Houston’s Baylor College of Medicine, partnered to found this program.

The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center treats pleural mesothelioma under Dr. Cornwell’s leadership. Also, it is currently the only VA hospital that offers treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma under the direction of Dr. Eugene A. Choi.

Pleural Mesothelioma Cancer Centers

Outside of the VA, veterans can get treatment from civilian cancer centers across the U.S. Many civilian hospitals treat pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lung lining. Learn more about these mesothelioma treatment centers below.

Baylor College of Medicine

Houston, Texas

SpecialistDr. Taylor Ripley

ProceduresExtrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)

Baylor College of Medicine’s Mesothelioma Treatment Center treats pleural mesothelioma under the direction of Dr. Taylor Ripley.

Dr. Ripley and his colleagues ensure that each patient receives specialized treatments that fit their needs and diagnosis.

Use our Free Veterans Packet for help finding mesothelioma specialists that close to home who can treat you.

Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts

SpecialistDr. Raphael Bueno

ProceduresExtrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)

Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston opened in 1832 and is one of the oldest treatment centers in the country. ]This facility is home to the International Mesothelioma Program (IMP), which offers the latest treatment options for pleural mesothelioma.

The IMP has helped hundreds of patients with mesothelioma find the best treatments under the direction of Dr. Raphael Bueno. Through the IMP, mesothelioma patients can access established treatments and new ones through clinical trials.

Recent clinical trials at this cancer center included:

A new method for noting the stage and prognosis of patients
A pre-surgery drug (defactinib) study for patients
A study aimed to better understand how patients’ blood clots during surgery

Brigham and Women’s Hospital is closely partnered with the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, and the VA to ensure cancer patients get the best care possible.

Mayo Clinic

Arizona, Florida, & Minnesota

The Mayo Clinic has on-staff mesothelioma doctors who can treat this cancer through standard options like surgery. There are several Mayo Clinic locations across the country.

Cities with major Mayo Clinic hospitals include:

Jacksonville, Florida
Phoenix, Arizona
Rochester, Minnesota
Scottsdale, Arizona

Mayo Clinic facilities can also offer patients with mesothelioma a chance to participate in clinical trials that could improve their condition. Clinical trials at the Mayo Clinic are currently studying freezing of cancer tumors (cryotherapy), surgery after radiation therapy, and many other new treatments.

Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center

Los Angeles, California

The Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center was founded in 1955 and has been treating mesothelioma patients since 1997. Dr. Robert B. Cameron serves as the director of mesothelioma care while also treating veterans at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.

Its mesothelioma treatment program uses a combination of surgery and follow-up therapies to help patients live longer with fewer serious side effects.

This mesothelioma cancer center is highly regarded across the nation. It was ranked among the best hospital in the nation by U.S. News & Report in 2024 and was also ranked as the second-best hospital in Los Angeles.

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Houston, Texas

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center serves cancer patients in Texas. Noted mesothelioma specialist Dr. Anne Tsao currently serves as the director of MD Anderson’s mesothelioma program.

Under Dr. Tsao’s leadership, over 30 medical experts work together to develop custom patient care plans. This includes using both well-accepted mesothelioma treatments like surgery, radiation, and clinical trials.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatment Centers

Many cancer centers can treat peritoneal mesothelioma (which forms in the abdomen lining). Learn about some of the top peritoneal mesothelioma treatment centers below.

H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center

Tampa, Florida

The H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center is unique because it treats peritoneal mesothelioma and any other type of this cancer.

Moffitt Cancer Center also works to make mesothelioma treatment easier for patients. Patients can access all types of treatment without traveling to multiple locations since Moffitt has oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and surgeons available in one location.

Use our Free Veterans Packet for help finding the best specialists after your diagnosis.

MedStar Washington Hospital Center

Washington, D.C.

The MedStar Washington Hospital Center is home to the Washington Cancer Institute, which employs some of the top cancer experts currently practicing.

Peritoneal mesothelioma specialist Dr. Paul Sugarbaker, who developed the cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC procedure, treated thousands of patients at this facility before his retirement.

MedStar Washington Hospital Center also has clinical trials available to give patients other options if their cancer does not respond to standard treatments.

University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center

Chicago, Illinois

The University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center (UCCCC) has been treating mesothelioma for over 25 years. Leading UCCCC’s mesothelioma program is Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler, who specializes in peritoneal mesothelioma and pleural mesothelioma.

A team of radiologists, surgeons, and palliative care providers work to ensure mesothelioma patients get the best care possible. Notable treatment options available to mesothelioma patients at this facility include cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC and cutting-edge clinical trials.

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

With a mesothelioma program led by specialist Dr. James Pingpank, the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center treats up to 200 people with peritoneal cancer every year.

“A leader in peritoneal metastases and HIPEC cases, we run one of the world’s busiest surgical oncology programs.”

– UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

Due to the cancer center’s skill at treating patients, it has been designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This means the hospital constantly works to improve the way it diagnoses and treats cancer so patients can get the best care possible.

Full List of Mesothelioma Cancer Centers

The mesothelioma treatment centers listed above are only a few across the United States that can help those with this cancer. In fact, dozens of hospitals can treat this rare cancer. Below, you can connect with a mesothelioma cancer center near you.

Tips for Choosing the Right Mesothelioma Cancer Center

As you seek out mesothelioma cancer centers to work with, it’s important to find one that is close to you and has doctors available that will meet your health care needs.

These factors and others can make the overall treatment process easier for you and your family.

Look for Top Mesothelioma Doctors

When choosing a mesothelioma treatment center, make sure the doctors on staff are approachable, helpful, and highly experienced in treating mesothelioma. You need a medical team that you can trust and that will make you feel at ease during your mesothelioma journey.

Top mesothelioma cancer centers employ caring and dedicated specialists who will help clients navigate life during treatment.

Find Access to a Range of Treatments

Each type of mesothelioma requires very different treatments in order to improve quality of life and help patients live longer. As a result, you’ll need to make sure that the mesothelioma cancer center you choose can treat the type of this cancer that you have.

Explore Available Clinical Trials

Clinical trials allow mesothelioma patients to access and receive newer — and possibly better — that aren’t available to the general public. Several newer mesothelioma treatments (like immunotherapy) were approved for mainstream use after positive results in clinical trials.

Clinical trials only take a select group of patients depending on their mesothelioma type, cancer cell type, stage, and more. Due to this, it's helpful to find a cancer center that has many clinical trials available. The more clinical trials a treatment center has, the better the odds you’ll have of joining one.

“I encourage clinical trials because they're free, so you don't pay for anything," says mesothelioma nurse Amy Fair. "But you’ve got to be a really good candidate, because if you're very sick, it's a long process."

Consider Treatment Costs

Mesothelioma cancer centers will have varying treatment costs, so it’s important to understand what you have to pay ahead of time.

Note that you can seek financial compensation that can help pay for some of these costs. This is because mesothelioma is almost always caused by asbestos exposure. These dangers of asbestos were kept secret by the manufacturers for decades, making them liable to nearly everyone who develops mesothelioma.

The best mesothelioma cancer centers may be able to connect you with resources that will help you access this compensation and mitigate your out-of-pocket treatment costs.

Call (877) 450-8973 now for help exploring and affording your mesothelioma cancer treatment options.

Find a Top Mesothelioma Cancer Center

The VA knows the sacrifices you made to protect your country. That’s why VA mesothelioma treatment centers have partnerships with some of the world’s best cancer doctors.

These cancer centers provide the best care possible and can help you pursue long-term survival. Civilian mesothelioma cancer centers can also be very helpful if you decide to not pursue treatments through the VA.

Get our Free Veterans Packet now for help exploring your treatment options after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Our team can also assist you in finding top cancer centers near you.

Mesothelioma Treatment Center FAQs

What are the odds of beating mesothelioma?

The odds of beating mesothelioma are low, but you have a better chance if you get treated at a top cancer center.

The best mesothelioma cancer centers can recommend top treatments to help you live longer, and skilled specialists will support you or a veteran every step of the way.

What is the best hospital for mesothelioma?

Which mesothelioma hospital will be the best for your case depends on many factors, including where you live, what type of mesothelioma you have, your insurance coverage, and more.

If you're a U.S. veteran, the best mesothelioma cancer center for your case may be within the VA health care system's network. Civilian facilities are also a good option.

The Mesothelioma Veterans Center can help you find the best mesothelioma treatment center near you. Call (877) 450-8973 to find out your eligibility.

What is the most effective treatment for mesothelioma?

This will depend on the specifics of your case, but some of the most effective mesothelioma treatments include surgery and chemotherapy.

Doctors at a top mesothelioma cancer center can determine which treatments will be most effective in your case.

How can I afford the costs of traveling to a mesothelioma treatment center?

If you need to travel to get to a cancer center, there are ways you can cover the costs of a plane ticket, car ride, or other transportation options.

U.S. veterans may not have to pay travel costs if they seek treatment through the VA.

Patients who need to pay for their travel costs out of pocket can apply for grants through organizations like the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation).

Finally, many patients may qualify for legal compensation, which could help pay for costs such as transportation.

How much will it cost to seek treatment at a mesothelioma center?

This depends on the specifics in each case, such as the type of insurance plan you have. For example, you may pay very little if you are a U.S. veteran with VA health care.

You can get help with affording care from a mesothelioma cancer center by applying for VA benefits or filing a legal claim.

How can I locate top mesothelioma doctors?

The best mesothelioma doctor for your case will depend on what type of cancer you have and other factors such as cancer stage.

To find a doctor close to you, it’s helpful to see which cancer centers are nearby that specialize in treating your mesothelioma type.

If you still have questions, call (877) 450-8973. Our team can answer questions about cancer centers and how to find the best mesothelioma doctors.

Disclaimer

The Mesothelioma Veterans Center has no affiliation with and is not endorsed or sponsored by any of the doctors or cancer centers listed. The information above is listed for informational purposes only. You have the right to contact the facilities and doctors directly.