Mesothelioma Doctors

Mesothelioma doctors can recommend life-extending treatments. The best mesothelioma doctors have successfully treated many patients and have been in practice for a long time. The Mesothelioma Veterans Center can help veterans like you find top mesothelioma doctors right now.

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Top Mesothelioma Doctors for Veterans

Mesothelioma cancer is very aggressive and difficult to treat, but specialized doctors can help you explore ways to manage your symptoms. These doctors know the best methods to treat malignant mesothelioma.

Some top mesothelioma doctors partner with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help veterans. This is important as U.S. veterans account for one-third of all mesothelioma cases due to military asbestos exposure.

Types of mesothelioma doctors include:

  • Board-certified medical oncologists (cancer doctors)
  • Pathologists (doctors who study cancer cells)
  • Radiation oncologists (doctors who use radiation to fight cancer)
  • Thoracic surgeons (doctors who treat cancer with surgery)
  • Other medical professionals
VA Doctors for Veterans With Mesothelioma Video Thumbnail

Video Summary: VA-accredited Attorney Eric Hall explains how the Mesothelioma Veterans Center can help you find a mesothelioma specialist in the VA. Some of the world's top mesothelioma doctors have partnered with the VA to treat veterans with mesothelioma. Call (877) 450-8973 to get started.

There are several world-renowned doctors that work with the VA to treat mesothelioma. The VA will recognize any asbestos-related disease, as long as your asbestos exposure happened while you were on active duty in the military.

If you have questions about mesothelioma treatment, we encourage you to reach out to the Mesothelioma Veterans Center to speak with our nurses on staff, who can talk to you about the various treatments and connect you with world-renowned doctors who treat mesothelioma.

The Mesothelioma Veterans Center’s nursing support staff has relationships with mesothelioma doctors nationwide. We can help you or a U.S. veteran with mesothelioma find specialists and access treatments in less time if you qualify.

Use our Free Doctor Match so we can help you find the right doctor for your diagnosis.

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Pleural Mesothelioma Doctors

There are four types of mesothelioma, and most doctors specialize in treating only one of the four. Pleural mesothelioma forms in the lung lining (pleura) and is the most common type.

Doctors who treat pleural mesothelioma typically will want to remove as much of the cancer from the lung and pleura using surgery. They may also use treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation to shrink tumors.

Learn about some top pleural mesothelioma doctors below.

  • Dr. Raphael Bueno

    Dr. Raphael Bueno has been treating pleural mesothelioma for decades. He currently leads the International Mesothelioma Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Massachusetts.

    Under his supervision, patients can get help from surgeons, radiation therapists, social workers, psychologists, and many other specialists through this program.

  • Dr. Robert Cameron

    Dr. Robert Cameron cares for mesothelioma patients at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, both located in California. He’s been treating veterans with pleural mesothelioma since 1998.

    Dr. Cameron invented the pleurectomy with decortication (P/D) surgery to treat this cancer. With this surgery, doctors remove cancer from the lung lining while keeping both lungs intact.

  • Dr. Lorraine Cornwell

    Dr. Lorraine Cornwell is a thoracic surgeon who leads the mesothelioma treatment program at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston.

    Under her leadership, this comprehensive cancer center is able to serve U.S. veterans with very complex health problems like pleural mesothelioma.

  • Dr. Raja Flores

    Dr. Raja Flores is the director of the Mesothelioma Program at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. Dr. Flores is considered a pioneer in thoracic oncology (treatment of chest and lung-related cancers).

    He’s able to treat pleural mesothelioma using either an extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) or a P/D, among other treatment options. Dr. Flores can also treat other asbestos-related diseases like asbestosis and lung cancer.

  • Dr. Taylor Ripley

    Dr. Taylor Ripley treats pleural mesothelioma at the Baylor College of Medicine in Texas. Dr. Ripley took over this position from his mentor, the late Dr. David Sugarbaker, after the latter’s passing.

    Dr. Ripley works closely with colleagues at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center to treat veterans with mesothelioma. He also serves on the board of directors of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation), one of the leading advocacy groups for patients with this cancer.

  • Dr. Daniel Wiener

    Dr. Daniel Wiener treats pleural mesothelioma out of the VA Boston Healthcare System.

    With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Wiener and his team are well-prepared to help veterans with his cancer live as long as possible. Dr. Wiener's main focus is on treating patients with surgery, with other therapies like chemotherapy and radiation being used as well.

Disclaimer

The Mesothelioma Veterans Center has no affiliation with and is not endorsed or sponsored by Dr. Robert B. Cameron. The contact information above is listed for informational purposes only. You have the right to contact Dr. Cameron directly.

The Mesothelioma Veterans Center can help you find top mesothelioma doctors right now. Call (877) 450-8973.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Doctors

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). To treat it, doctors often remove the cancer from the abdomen using cytoreductive surgery.

They’ll then wash the abdomen with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) to destroy microscopic cancer cells.

Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma can often live for four years or more with help from their doctors.

Learn about some top peritoneal mesothelioma doctors below.

  • Dr. James Pingpank

    Dr. James Pingpank treats peritoneal mesothelioma at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Pennsylvania.

    He has been treating this cancer using cytoreduction with HIPEC for more than a decade and has received numerous awards for his work in helping patients.

  • Dr. Daniel Labow

    Dr. Daniel Labow is a peritoneal mesothelioma specialist currently treating patients at Nuvance Health Praxair Cancer Center in Connecticut.

    Dr. Labow has used the HIPEC procedure over 600 times to treat patients, making him one of the most skilled doctors helping peritoneal mesothelioma patients today.

  • Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler

    Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler treats peritoneal mesothelioma at the University of Chicago Medicine’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, located in Illinois.

    She has been treating mesothelioma patients for decades and has been listed as one of the country’s best cancer doctors. She also works closely with patient advocacy and research organizations like the International Mesothelioma Interest Group and the Meso Foundation.


  • Dr. Eugene A. Choi

    Dr. Eugene A. Choi can help veterans with peritoneal mesothelioma at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine, both located in Texas.

    Dr. Choi can perform cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC on eligible veterans, which may allow them to live for many years after a diagnosis.

Use our search tool below to locate mesothelioma doctors near you.

How to Choose a Mesothelioma Doctor

Before you decide on a mesothelioma doctor, you’ll need to do some research. Ideally, you’ll want to find out everything you can about the mesothelioma doctor you want to see.

Some factors to consider include:

  • If your insurance will cover the treatment offered by the doctor
  • Patient testimonials or reviews of the doctor’s work
  • The types of surgery they usually perform and if they’re conducting clinical trials (where new treatments are tested)
  • The location of the mesothelioma cancer center

Some treatment centers offer temporary housing to mesothelioma patients and their families when they don’t live nearby.

Not everything can be determined upfront, so it may be helpful to ask questions when you meet with the mesothelioma doctor and their staff.

Here are some questions to ask when choosing a mesothelioma doctor:

  • Does the doctor clearly communicate with me, other patients, and staff?
  • Does this doctor know about available clinical trials for mesothelioma?
  • Has the doctor been treating mesothelioma for a long time?
  • Will the doctor work with me to create a treatment plan that suits my needs?

We have compiled a list of questions you can ask your mesothelioma doctor. Download the 14 Questions to Ask Your Doctor now so you’re prepared for your first visit.

14 Questions To Ask Your Doctor
14 Questions to Ask Your Doctor
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When Should You Meet With a Mesothelioma Specialist?

Ideally, you should try to meet with a malignant mesothelioma doctor as soon as possible if you might have this cancer. Mesothelioma can be lethal in months without medical care from top doctors.

When meeting with a mesothelioma doctor, tell them about:

  • Any family history of cancer (particularly mesothelioma and lung cancer)
  • You and your family’s history of asbestos exposure (if any)
  • When your symptoms began
  • Other basic information about your general health such

All of these factors can help mesothelioma doctors confirm a diagnosis. From there, you can start cancer treatments to help you live as long as possible.

What to Expect When Meeting With a Mesothelioma Specialist

An older male patient meets with younger male doctor

When you first meet with a mesothelioma doctor, you may feel a little overwhelmed as dealing with cancer can be very stressful.

You can expect the doctor to explain what their overall goal is when it comes to treating you. They may also explain the projected outcome of your cancer with and without treatment. That said, you may still have questions or concerns.

Here are some tips when meeting with a mesothelioma doctor:

  • Ask questions: Make sure to speak up if you have any questions for your mesothelioma doctor. Also, see if your doctor or their medical staff will be available to answer questions that may pop up after your visit. Getting clarity by asking questions can help you feel calmer.
  • Bring a friend or loved one: Having an additional person along can give you comfort and support. They can also ask questions or address concerns that you might not think of.
  • Provide relevant information: Your mesothelioma specialists may have questions for you. Be sure to bring any medical records they need or have them forwarded over to their office ahead of time.
  • Take notes: At your first appointment, emotions can run high. Taking notes can help you stay organized and focused. You can also have a friend or loved one take notes, too.

All of these factors can help the initial meeting with your mesothelioma doctor go as smoothly as possible.

Improving Your Prognosis With a Mesothelioma Specialist

A mesothelioma prognosis is how long you’re projected to live after a diagnosis. Getting the right doctor can be the difference between surviving months or years.

Most treatments, particularly surgery, can help patients live for long spans of time — giving them precious months or years to spend with their loved ones.

Here are ways that mesothelioma doctors improve prognosis:

  • Top doctors use the most effective treatments to help you live as long as possible.
  • Mesothelioma doctors monitor your health and change treatments as needed.
  • Some doctors run clinical trials where you may receive newer treatments.

A prognosis can change over time with help from mesothelioma doctors. Further, some patients have gone on to become mesothelioma survivors, living for 15-20 years or more thanks to the treatments provided by top doctors.

Find top mesothelioma specialists near you with our Free Doctor Match right now.

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Find Top Mesothelioma Doctors Near You

You should feel satisfied that the mesothelioma doctors and health care team you are choosing are skilled and knowledgeable. Then, you can confidently make arrangements to begin your treatment plan.

The best mesothelioma doctors can:

  • Determine what type of mesothelioma you have
  • Put together a treatment plan based on your diagnosis
  • Regularly follow up with you after treatments so you stay healthy

The Mesothelioma Veterans Center’s nursing support staff can connect you with top mesothelioma doctors nearby. We can also help you file for VA benefits and other forms of financial aid so you won’t have to pay out of pocket to work with these doctors.

Call (877) 450-8973 or use our Free Doctor Match to find skilled specialists who can treat your mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Doctors FAQs

What type of oncologist treats mesothelioma?

Many types of oncologists can treat mesothelioma, including surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists.

You may need to see more than one mesothelioma oncologist depending on your diagnosis. This is because each oncologist will specialize in one specific treatment.

The VA has many mesothelioma oncologists who can help you with different treatments.

What doctors diagnose mesothelioma?

A pathologist will ultimately be the person to diagnose mesothelioma, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

This type of doctor reviews biopsies (samples of fluid or tissue that might be cancerous) under a microscope to determine if mesothelioma is present.

Why should I see a mesothelioma specialist?

There are roughly 1.9 million cases of cancer diagnosed in the U.S. annually, but only about 1,000 veterans are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year.

Because mesothelioma is so rare and quite aggressive, not every doctor will have the experience and skills needed to properly treat this disease.

Mesothelioma doctors have years of experience in helping patients like you and will know the best ways to treat your cancer.

How can I find top mesothelioma doctors near me?

The Mesothelioma Veterans Center can help you or a U.S. veteran that you love find top mesothelioma doctors near you, if eligible.

We have a network of over 150 doctors who may be able to treat you.

Find a mesothelioma doctor now.

How will a mesothelioma doctor help me?

Mesothelioma doctors can take note of the unique factors in your case and recommend the best treatments for you.

Top mesothelioma doctors care deeply about each patient they see and will do everything they can to assist you.

They can help you access new treatment methods through clinical trials. Participating in a clinical trial may even mean you receive treatment that prolongs your life when other treatments fail.

By getting treatments from mesothelioma doctors, you might be able to live with less pain, improve your life expectancy, and even become a cancer survivor in some cases.

Do VA benefits cover seeing a mesothelioma specialist?

Possibly, yes. Your VA benefits may allow you to see a mesothelioma doctor partnered with the VA.

If your condition is not the result of exposure to asbestos while serving in the military, you will need to find a mesothelioma doctor who practices at a non-VA surgical center.

Should I get a second opinion from a mesothelioma specialist?

Yes. A second opinion is when a different doctor reviews your case after you have been diagnosed with a health problem.

Mesothelioma is notoriously difficult to diagnose because it is rare, and the symptoms are usually mild initially.

Because of this, it may be helpful to request a second opinion from another doctor to make sure your mesothelioma diagnosis and prognosis are correct.

A second opinion will also give you the peace of mind that you are getting the best treatment possible.

Are all mesothelioma doctors currently treating patients?

The vast majority of mesothelioma doctors are still practicing and treating patients, but a handful are not.

For example, Dr. Paul Sugarbaker, a renowned peritoneal mesothelioma specialist who spearheaded the use of cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC, retired in 2022.

Paul's brother Dr. David Sugarbaker passed away in 2018. He treated pleural mesothelioma and invented the extrapleural pneumonectomy procedure, which is one of the most notable treatments for this cancer.

Finally, Dr. Abraham 'Avi' Lebenthal treated U.S. veterans with mesothelioma at the VA Boston Healthcare System for over a decade until he returned to his home country of Israel in 2022.

Veterans Support Team
Todd Gersten, MD PhotoReviewed by:Todd Gersten, MD

Double Board-Certified Oncologist and Hematologist

  • Fact-Checked
  • Editor

Todd Gersten, MD, is a double board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist specializing in general adult oncology and hematologic disease. He is a physician partner with the Florida Cancer Specialists and practices in Wellington, Florida.

Dr. Todd Gersten is an independently paid medical reviewer.

Christopher Dryfoos PhotoWritten by:

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.

  1. American Society of Clinical Oncology. (September 2020). Mesothelioma: Diagnosis.
    Retrieved October 28, 2024, from https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/mesothelioma/diagnosis/
  2. Enomoto, L. M., Shen, P., Levine, E. A., & Votanopoulos, K. I. (2019). Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal mesothelioma: patient selection and special considerations. Retrieved October 28, 2024, from https://doi.org/10.2147/CMAR.S170300
  3. Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. (n.d.). Mesothelioma Program at Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Houston, Texas. Retrieved October 28, 2024, from https://www.curemeso.org/get-involved/meet-the-mesothelioma-experts-podcast-broadcast-series/mesothelioma-program-at-veterans-affairs-medical-center-in-houston-texas/
  4. Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. (n.d.). R. Taylor Ripley, MD, Board of Directors. Retrieved October 28, 2024, from https://www.curemeso.org/about-us/board-director/r-taylor-ripley-md-board-of-directors/
  5. Mount Sinai Medical Center. (n.d.). Raja M Flores, MD. Retrieved October 28, 2024, from https://profiles.mountsinai.org/raja-m-flores
  6. UChicago Medicine. (n.d.). Hedy Lee Kindler, MD. Retrieved October 28, 2024, from https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/find-a-physician/physician/hedy-lee-kindler