Mesothelioma specialists are a crucial part of a multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists. Let’s find out more about how it works.
Oncologists specializing in mesothelioma diagnose patients with this rare cancer with a much better chance of surviving for an extended period. If surgery is an option, they refer patients to a surgical oncologist with knowledge of complex mesothelioma removal procedures.
The specialists are doctors who bring in cancer diagnoses and recommend treatments and help to coordinate care across multiple disciplines.
Mesothelioma oncologist is also aware of ongoing mesothelioma clinical trials and emerging treatments. Remember that each cancer is different, and depending on its stage and location, treatment will work either well or worse. It is crucial to allow the oncologist to regularly review the daily life routine to ensure that the treatment is done correctly and does what it is supposed to do.
Types of Oncologists
The patient will work with an oncologist specializing in the same kind of mesothelioma. Here are some types of Oncologist below:
Thoracic Oncologists
Thoracic oncologists specialize in treating thorax cancer. Thoracic oncology programs at cancer centers across the country treat lung cancer, thymoma, tracheal cancer, and other lung ailments.
However, pleural mesothelioma is rare; not all thoracic oncology programs or thoracic oncologists have the expertise to treat this cancer.
Mesothelioma patients should seek treatment at a specialized mesothelioma facility. It will ensure that they receive care from a team with knowledge of asbestos-related cancer treatment.
Oncologists for Peritoneal Mesothelioma
People diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma should seek treatment from an oncologist having experience in treating peritoneal surface diseases.
Patients with Peritoneal mesothelioma tend to live much longer than patients with pleural mesothelioma. Surgery plays a crucial role in long-term survival.
Successful treatment for this type of mesothelioma comprises both surgical and therapeutic radiation therapy. Surgical oncologists experienced in treating peritoneal mesothelioma are well equipped to perform this procedure.
Methods of oncology
Different types of oncologists apply different methods of oncology for treatment.
- Medical Oncology: This is a very usual area of ??oncology. Therapists specialize in treating specific tumors, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. They often treat cancer with chemotherapy, targeted treatment, and immunotherapy. Health professionals can also refer patients to a surgeon for procedures to remove the tumor.
- Surgical Oncology: These are general surgeons having additional training in removing tumors. Surgeons and oncologists often work exclusively for their specific preparation. For example, an oncology thoracic surgeon may perform surgery to remove cancerous growths from lung cancer, esophageal cancer, mesothelioma, and other diseases.
- Radiation Oncology: These doctors treat cancer using radiation therapy.
During cancer treatment, the person diagnosed with mesothelioma will most likely work with an oncologist or a team of oncologists. Oncologists control patient care throughout the illness. Oncologists work closely with other health professionals, including pathologists, diagnostic radiologists, oncology nurses, and social workers.
Role of oncologists in mesothelioma
The terms “mesothelioma physician” or “mesothelioma specialist” usually refer to medical doctors or surgeons specializing in asbestos-related cancers.
Most mesothelioma patients do not need surgery. Because of this, they may never meet or get examined by a surgical oncologist.
Instead, a medical oncologist will prescribe a cancer diagnosis and recommend treatments such as chemotherapy. They also help the patient manage the symptoms and side effects of treatment.
How can you get oncologists?
Here are some tips on “How to find an oncologist”:
Get transfers
Start with a list referred to you by your primary care physician. You can also enquire from family, friends, and other health care providers for recommendations. Take time to research medical information.
Research oncologist certificates
Board certification is among the most crucial things to consider when choosing an oncologist. It signifies the doctor has the necessary training, skills, and experience to provide health care in oncology.
Consider experience
When it comes to cancer, experience is crucial. The more knowledge a doctor has about cancer treatments, the better your results will likely be. Ask how many patients have your specific cancer treated by an oncologist.
Read patient reviews
Learning what other people have to say about doctors can provide insight into how a doctor prescribes medication and how their medical work works.
Conclusion
Doctors qualified to diagnose and treat cancer are called oncologists. With more than 200 different types of cancer, oncology practitioners evaluate the exact type of cancer a patient has and develop an appropriate treatment based on the type and stage of the disease.
A medical oncologist treats cancer with chemotherapy. A person diagnosed with mesothelioma will most likely have to consult several doctors during the recovery process.
The mesothelioma oncologist ensures that all doctors work on the same goal, giving the patient the best possible treatment. Once the treatment has begun, the oncologist monitors everything and evaluates its effectiveness. They will further evaluate and determine what is effective and what is not.
