Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer affecting the membrane lining of the lungs and abdomen

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is hard to diagnose because the early signs and symptoms of the disease can be quite different in different cases. Symptoms are normally dismissed by people who usually attribute them to ordinary every day ailments or disorders.

asbestos-cancer

Mesothelioma, the type of cancer most commonly associated with asbestos exposure, is a malignancy that occurs in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Mesothelioma Diagnosis can indeed by a tricky process. Because the symptoms are similar to those of so many other common diseases, this aggressive form of cancer can often be mistaken for something else. An accurate diagnosis largely depends on the patient providing a complete history - both medical and occupational. This may indicate any past exposure to asbestos which may have caused the disease.

mesothelioma-causes

Mesothelioma generally results from occupational asbestos exposure but there are instances of environmental exposure that can also cause the disease. Oftentimes a family member can be affected indirectly by second hand exposure from an asbestos worker�s soiled work clothes

11/25/2012

Mesothelioma Doctors

7:32 AM    1 comment

 Mesothelioma Doctors

Because mesothelioma is so rare, representing about 0.3 percent of all diagnosed cancers annually, and has no known cure, people who have the disease are urged to find a specialist to treat it. Doctors trained in asbestos-related diseases typically provide the highest quality of care for mesothelioma patients.
The Mesothelioma Center has a Doctor Match program to help you find and get appointments with mesothelioma experts at leading facilities across the country. Patient Advocates strive to find the leading specialists with the most resources to offer mesothelioma patients. Connect with a Patient Advocate or call (800) 615-2270 to take advantage of this free program.

One of the most important concerns is finding doctor who you can trust. You will want to evaluate the doctor's expertise while also getting comfortable with the head of a team charged with trying to save your life. Here are some questions to ask:
  • How many cases of mesothelioma has this doctor treated in his or her career? Have any of these cases been recent?
  • What types of mesothelioma does this doctor treat? Has he or she managed any cases of my particular subtype?
  • What treatments does this doctor typically use to treat mesothelioma?
  • Is this doctor prepared to treat my cancer if it spreads to other parts of my body?
  • Does this doctor support any supplemental types of therapy in addition to direct medical intervention?
  • Does the facility this doctor is associated with offer access to any clinical trials? Can the doctor help me sign up for any that I might qualify for?
There are also some broad considerations that you should discuss with a potential doctor to make sure that the physician will be a good fit for you. These questions include:
  • How many years has this doctor been practicing?
  • Do I want this doctor to make decisions for me or simply offer me options?
  • Will this doctor respect my choices and address all of my concerns?
  • Can I openly communicate with this doctor?
  • Does this doctor accept my insurance?
  • Is it easy to travel to this facility for all of my appointments?

World-Renowned Mesothelioma Doctors

Several mesothelioma doctors across the nation have emerged as leaders in the field, utilizing the most advanced treatment methods to give patients a longer life expectancy. These doctors often work at prestigious hospitals equipped with cutting-edge technology, and many are involved with ongoing clinical trials.

Some of the nation’s most renowned mesothelioma doctors include:

  • David Sugarbaker, M.D.

    David Sugarbaker, M.D.

    Thoracic Surgery
    Brigham and Women's Hospital
  • Robert Cameron, M.D.

    Robert Cameron, M.D.

    Thoracic Surgeon
    UCLA Medical Center
  • Harvey Pass, M.D.

    Harvey Pass, M.D.

    Cardiothoracic Surgery
    NYU Medical Center
  •  

    Hedy Kindler, M.D.

    Gastrointestinal Oncology
    University of Chicago Medical Center
  • David C. Rice

    David C. Rice

    Thoracic and Cardiovascular Sugery
    Texas MD Anderson

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Asbestos Exposure and Cancer

7:25 AM    No comments




Asbestos Exposure Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma cancer. Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers may cause an inflammation of internal tissue and disrupt organ function which leads to the development of mesothelioma. Asbestos products were used extensively throughout the 20th century in a wide variety of applications. Asbestos companies continued to produce these products even after they were known to be hazardous and harmful to workers and their families. Many of these products were responsible for asbestos exposure sustained by both the individuals who manufactured the products as well as those who used them at commercial, industrial and military jobsites. Renovation and construction both at home and in schools and other public facilities also posed high risk areas for asbestos exposure.

Asbestos related cancer is common among military veterans who we exposed on naval ships, in shipyards and at military bases. Naval ships where exposure occurred include aircraft carriers, battleships, destroyers, submarines, warships and others. Some prominent shipyards where asbestos was prevalent include Brooklyn Navy Yard, Norfolk Navy Shipyard, Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Long Beach Naval Shipyard and Hunters Point Naval Shipyard. At commercial and industrial locations including refineries, power plants, steel mills, auto production facilities and large construction sites, many workers were put at risk. Some of the occupations of workers at risk include electricians, plumbers, boilermakers, carpenters, mechanics , machinists and more. Additionally, if you lived with someone who was regularly exposed to asbestos and washed their clothes, you could be at risk for second hand asbestos exposure.


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