Mesothelioma Doctors

How and where to find mesothelioma doctors?

Upon the diagnosis of Mesothelioma, many patients understandably become overwhelmed by the decisions and complexities of the disease because it carries with it some legal implications that mustn't be overlooked. But, understanding some rudimentary things involved in the treatment of your illness will hopefully ease some of the mental complexities of this cancer.

Because Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, the likelihood of finding a purely "Mesothelioma Doctor" is slim. You will most likely be treated by a team of physicians rather than a single doctor.

These doctors each specialize in a component of your treatment plan and each one is a valuable team member. Together they will come up with the most viable strategy to treat you Mesothelioma.

Initially your doctor will seek to determine the stage of your Mesothelioma. This process is called staging. It involves many tests to determine the damage the cancer has already caused. The best stage diagnosis is stage 1 and it implies that the cancer is localized to the mesothelium. The worst stage is advanced, which as the word implies, indicates that the cancer has advanced to other parts of the body. After the stage of the Mesothelioma is determined, your team of physicians will strive to create the best treatment plan for you.

The team of doctors treating you will likely consist of the following:

• A Pulmonologist is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of lung disorders.
• A Thoracic Surgeon is one who specializes in surgery of the lungs and heart.
• An Oncologist is a doctor whose expertise is in the care of cancer patients and chemotherapy.
• Another Oncologist will be your Radiation Oncologist. He or she will be a specialist in the use of radiation to treat cancer.
• A Radiologist will be the doctor who will examine your x-rays, scans, ultrasounds, and MRI's.
• Your Pathologist examines the tissues removed during biopsies.
• Lastly, an important person in your treatment is a social worker. Unlike the doctors who will concentrate on the physical elements of cancer, the social worker will be available to lend emotional support and provide resources for counseling, stress or any other burden you wish to share.

Each of these professionals will play a valuable role in your Mesothelioma treatment plan. They will each come at your illness from a different angle and specialty. They are experts in their field and together they will treat you in the manner that suits your case the best.