Treatment for mesothelioma requires a high level of specialized care, typically performed by a team of doctors and medical professionals. You will want to pay close attention to the backgrounds of the various types of specialists you need when choosing your medical team. Not all doctors are well-versed in the most appropriate or latest mesothelioma treatment options. Those that are, however, will have treated many cases, giving you the best care available.
Who are the right specialists? Obviously it will depend on the type of mesothelioma you have, but following are some of the specialists you may encounter:
- Oncologist – specialist in the diagnosis and care of cancer.
- Pulmonologist – specialist in the diagnosis and care of lung disorders.
- Thoracic Surgeon – specialist in surgery of the heart, lungs, and chest area.
- Radiologist – specialist in interpreting x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and other imaging studies requested.
- Pathologist – specialist in identifying disease through tissue study.
There will be many other support professionals you want to consider when deciding who is on your treatment team. Examples include nursing specialists, such as a thoracic oncology nurse, or respiratory therapists. You may even want to include some type of psychologist, therapist, or social worker to assist you on this difficult journey.
The most important factor is that you are comfortable with your team, and have an open line of communication. Of course, you want experience on your side, but you need to feel like the team is working for you to ensure you receive the best mesothelioma treatment.
