Marion VA Medical Center for Mesothelioma Treatment

Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma can receive care through the Marion VA Medical Center in Marion, IL. This facility is part of the VA health care system serving veterans across southern Illinois and surrounding regions. Learn about key mesothelioma treatments offered here and how to get care.

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“The Mesothelioma Veterans Center made sure my family got the benefits we deserved.”

U.S. Navy veteran with mesothelioma

About Marion VA Medical Center

The Marion VA Medical Center is a full-service VA hospital located in Marion, Illinois. It is part of a broader network of VA health care facilities that includes outpatient clinics and specialty care programs for veterans.

U.S. veterans facing mesothelioma can receive treatment through the Marion VA Medical Center as part of their VA health care benefits package.
Boston VA Hospital

This VA cancer care facility provides services like:

  • Oncology and cancer care services
  • Primary care and inpatient medical care
  • Telehealth appointments options

When veterans get treated for mesothelioma through the Marion VA, they can expect to get expert-level care at all stages of their cancer journey. Cancer specialists at this facility will work together to develop the best treatment plans for each individual patient’s needs.

At the Mesothelioma Veterans Center, we can help U.S. veterans better understand their treatment options, access VA benefits, and connect with top doctors. Get our Free Veterans Packet to explore all the ways we can assist you or a loved one.

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  • Top Treatments
  • Best Doctors
  • Improving Prognosis

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Mesothelioma Treatment at Marion Illinois VA Medical Center

Mesothelioma treatment at the Marion VA focuses on coordinated care, symptom management, and tailoring care to each patient’s unique goals.

Veterans can work with oncology providers at the Marion VA medical center to develop a personalized mesothelioma treatment plan.

Mesothelioma treatment options may include:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Radiation
  • Surgery

Which treatments veterans with mesothelioma will receive can vary based on several factors, including the stage at the time of diagnosis, their overall health, age, and more.

Caregivers and family members are often included in the care process, helping ensure veterans receive well-rounded, high-quality support throughout treatment.

Care Coordination for Thoracic Surgery & Advanced Treatment

More advanced procedures, such as thoracic surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma, may need to be performed at larger VA or affiliated cancer centers depending on the situation.

In these cases, the Marion VA can help coordinate referrals for:

  • Advanced cancer treatment at specialized mesothelioma treatment centers
  • Thoracic surgery procedures such as a pleurectomy with decortication (P/D), which removes lung tumors while preserving the affected tissue
  • Multidisciplinary care through other VA health care facilities

This ensures veterans with mesothelioma receive the most appropriate level of care, even when services must be provided elsewhere.

Mesothelioma Specialists & Patient Care at Marion VA Medical Center

The Marion VA Medical Center delivers patient-focused care for veterans living with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

At the Marion VA, veterans can access highly specialized mesothelioma specialists and a coordinated care approach involving a range of health care professionals.

Cancer specialists at the Marion VA Medical Center include:

  • Dr. Don R. Domenico, pathologist
  • Dr. Michael L. Ladwig, pathologist
  • Dr. Robert L. Miller, thoracic surgeon
  • Dr. Sujatha A. Rao, medical oncologist

“Practicing in southern Illinois has been a very gratifying experience because the people are very kind. You get so close to them, particularly in oncology.”

– Dr. Sujatha A. Rao, medical oncologist at Marion VA Medical Center

Additionally, specialists in radiation, palliative care (pain-relieving treatments), mental health providers, and nurses are all on staff to help ensure veterans get comprehensive care that they deserve.

When necessary, this team also collaborates with specialists at other VA facilities, including major mesothelioma treatment centers across the country.

Call (877) 450-8973 now for help connecting with top mesothelioma doctors near you and exploring your treatment options.

Mesothelioma Support Services at Marion VA Medical Center Illinois

Besides offering mesothelioma treatments, the Marion VA Medical Center provides a range of support services to improve quality of life for U.S. veterans and their loved ones.

Mesothelioma support services for veterans may include:

  • Mental health care and counseling
  • Palliative care and symptom management
  • Hospice services when appropriate
  • Telehealth appointments for continued care
  • Support groups and resources for caregivers and family members

These options are designed to help patients’ physical health and emotional well-being throughout the treatment process.

Additionally, veterans getting primary care and additional services from Marion VA providers can expect thoughtful, respectful, and compassionate support from start to finish.

Many of the facility’s specialists, including Dr. Rao and Dr. Miller, have consistently received 5-star reviews from other patients.

“Not all cancers are incurable. If it is a curable cancer, I tell them, ‘don’t get worried, we can cure this.’ If it is incurable, I tell them, ‘you can live with diabetes or hypertension, and you’ll live with this cancer as long as you can.’ And I encourage them. You get very close to them during their journey.”

– Dr. Sujatha A. Rao, medical oncologist at Marion VA Medical Center

Health Care Coverage & Marion VA Medical Center Costs

When U.S. veterans with mesothelioma receive care at the Marion VA Medical Center through their VA health care coverage, they can expect low copays or free medical services. This is because the VA considers service-connected mesothelioma to be a 100% disability.

Veterans across the country were exposed to asbestos, the only known cause of the cancer, while serving without fully understanding the health risks. As a result, the VA health care system offers comprehensive medical support to these brave service members.

Mesothelioma veterans can expect:

  • $0 copays for their first 3 urgent care visits
  • $0 copays for inpatient care
  • $0 copays for medication
  • $30 copays for subsequent urgent care visits
Did you know?

Mesothelioma veterans are usually assigned to ‘priority group 1’ by the VA, granting them the lowest health care copays.

Veterans can discuss with their health care providers to get a better idea as to how much they may be expected to pay depending on their specific situation.

We may be able to help you access mesothelioma VA health care benefits and other services to support you and your family. Get free help filing now.

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Connect With Marion VA Providers for Mesothelioma

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be especially difficult for veterans and their families, particularly when it’s tied to asbestos exposure during military service.

The Marion VA Medical Center and other military health care facilities offer dedicated treatment for proud U.S. veterans, helping to support them throughout their cancer journey.

At the Mesothelioma Veterans Center, we’re ready to assist you in getting the care you deserve after a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Our team can help you:

  • Access VA health care & other benefits
  • Connect you with doctors treating veterans
  • Explore mesothelioma treatment options
  • Recover compensation to cover expenses

Call (877) 450-8973 or get a Free Veterans Packet now to learn more about how we support U.S. veterans with mesothelioma and their families.

Veterans Support TeamLast modified:
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Contributing Author

Christopher Dryfoos is a journalist and member of the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA). As the grandson of the U.S. Navy’s first forensic pathologist, he aims to help veterans with mesothelioma access needed care.