Most cases of mesothelioma are treated by an interdisciplinary team of doctors rather than by a single physician. Following is a list of the types of health care workers you may have contact with and their primary duties.
- Pulmonologist
A doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of lung disorders. - Thoracic Surgeon
A doctor specializing in surgery of the heart, lungs, esophagus, and mediastinum. - Medical Oncologist
A doctor specializing in the care of cancer patients and an expert in the use of chemotherapy to treat cancer. More on oncologists. - Radiation Oncologist
A doctor specializing in the care of cancer patients and an expert in the use of radiation to treat cancer. - Radiologist
A doctor specializing in the interpretation of imaging studies, such as x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasound. - Pathologist
A doctor specializing in diagnosing the abnormal changes in tissues removed during biopsy or postmortem examinations. - Thoracic Oncology Nurse Coordinator
A registered nurse responsible for the coordination of the oncology program in collaboration with the surgical director and interdisciplinary team. - Social Worker
A professional trained to help patients learn to cope with their health problems by providing counseling and information about available resources. - Respiratory Therapist
A professional trained to evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders.
