Where to Turn for Treatment Help if You Have Mesothelioma

MEET GUEST BLOGGER Faith Franz.

Faith is a writer for the Mesothelioma Center. She

combines her interests in whole-body health and

medical research to educate the mesothelioma

community about the newest developments in cancer

care. So without further ado, Faith's article on "Where

to Turn for Treatment Help if You Have Mesothelioma".

When mesothelioma patients are first diagnosed with their cancer, they

often confer with their general practitioner about what types of

treatment to pursue. However, general practitioners are not usually

familiar with treating diseases that relates to asbestos, so they will

most commonly provide patients with information or referrals to

mesothelioma specialists.

The first doctor that a mesothelioma patient should

reach out to for assistance is their primary oncologist.

The oncologist often serves as the head of the

patient’s treatment team, and they are best able to

coordinate the various branches of treatment.

An oncologist can provide referrals to other specialists who can

discuss additional treatment options with the patient. These

doctors may include:

● Surgeons

● Medical oncologists

● Radiation therapists

Patients may also reach out to holistic medical practitioners for

treatment. These doctors can practice a number of therapies,

including homeopathy, acupuncture or massage.

Mesothelioma patients may also turn to a nutritionist for help

constructing a diet that provides them with extra energy and

vitamins during treatment.

Picking a Physician

Although there are a number of doctors who mesothelioma patients can

turn to for treatment, not all doctors are equally equipped to handle the

rare cancer. Across the United States, several doctors have emerged as

leading mesothelioma specialists. David Sugarbaker, M.D., Robert

Cameron, M.D., and Harvey Pass, M.D., are among the nation’s leading

mesothelioma experts.

Several hospitals have also emerged as national leaders for mesothelioma

treatment. These include Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Memorial Sloan-

Kettering and the University of Chicago.

Because of the overwhelming nature of choosing a treatment plan,

mesothelioma patients may be unsure of where to start in their search for

health care. The Mesothelioma Center offers a free educational packet

discussing the various types of treatment, and their Doctor Match Service can

also connect patients with a leading doctor in their area.

Mesothelioma patients may also consider turning to support groups to help

each other through treatment. Although information shared within a support

group should never be regarded as medical advice, patients can benefit from

hearing other patients’ testimonials. Support groups allow patients to help each

other understand the experience that comes with a certain form of treatment

and share recommendations for how to cope.

For resources, financial assistance, knowledge and inspiration,

please visit

cancerhawk.com