Mesothelioma Doctors-How Do You Find The Best One For You?

Many decades ago, doctors had limited knowledge of mesothelioma cancer, most cases of the disease were seen by family doctors who had very little knowledge about the cancer, the symptoms and methods of treating the cancer.

Although this asbestos related cancer is rare in comparison to other more common types of cancer, there has been a gradual increase in the number of diagnosed cases over the past 20-30 years, some medical doctors have become specialist and experts in the diagnosis and treatment of this terrible disease.

Most times the first medical professional that a mesothelioma patient will have contact with will be their family physician. The family physician will order for several imaging tests once there is reasonable clinical suspicion, to be able to make definitive diagnosis. Once a definitive diagnosis is made, the family physician will refer the patient to an oncologist, who may be located in the area where the patient lives.

However while most oncologists are familiar with mesothelioma, because of the rarity of the disease not all of them have enough experience in treating this type of cancer.

Many patients would rather prefer to look for the best top mesothelioma experts in the country so that they can get the best available medical care.
Most of these top mesothelioma experts work in the nations best hospitals located in the major cities. These doctors have built a reputation over time based on their knowledge and exemplary care. Most of these doctors are usually involved in ongoing research work, so they can give the patient latest information on clinical trials, and other aspects of the disease.

Some of these mesothelioma experts are not oncologists, though they have sound knowledge and experience in cancer treatment. Quite a number of them are respiratory physicians, known as pulmonologists; these are doctors specializing in the treatment of diseases of the lungs. Some other ones are Thoracic Surgeons; these are doctors that specialize in performing surgeries of the lungs, chest wall, esophagus and diaphragm.

A patient can make a choice from these different medical experts, all of them can offer good medical care once they become familiar with the persons disease and particulars.

Most of the time, mesothelioma patients living in the small towns will have to travel to the major cities where the large hospitals where these experts work are situated. This usually involves additional expenses on traveling, lodging, feeding etc, but most patients do not mind the extra money that they will have to spend. Most of these hospitals assists out of town patients to find affordable accommodations to stay while some offer their own lodging options to patients who have traveled over a great distance to come to the hospital.

Patients are also advised to check their medical insurance carriers before making a decision on their preferred medical expert. Insurance policies are different and some policies may actually cover travel and other expenses that will be incurred when attempting to see an expert. Again, an administrator in the doctor's office or hospital personnel may be able to help determine what is covered and what is not.

Meeting with a doctor before making a definitive choice is often a good idea. Though he/she may be an expert in the field of mesothelioma, patients should strive to choose someone with whom they believe they can work well. Having a good rapport with your doctor is essential in building trust and open lines of communication are certainly a must. Take time to interview a doctor before making a final decision.

The following includes a short list of the top medical mesothelioma experts in USA, for a more comprehensive list, do visit my blog.

South Carolina
James Bradof, M.D.
SC

Tennessee
Spencer McCachren, M.D.
Thompson Cancer Center
Knoxville, TN
(423) 541-1812

Texas
Department Of Clinical Investigation
University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Blvd., P.O. Box 39
Houston, TX 77030
(713) 792-7959

Washington
Dr. Eric Vallieres
P.O. Box 356310
1959 NE Pacific
Seattle, WA 98195-6310
(206) 543-3093

Washington, D.C.
Cesar A. Moran, M.D.
Department of the Army
Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
Washington, DC 20306
Dr. Paul Sugarbaker
Sugarbaker Oncology Associates, P.C.
110 Irving St., NW
Washington, DC 20010
(202) 877-3908

Wisconsin
Joan H. Schiller, M.D.
H. Ian Robins, M.D.
University of Wisconsin
Madison, WI