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Mesothelioma Cancer Centers

Getting treated at a mesothelioma cancer center ensures you receive the care you need to fight this aggressive disease. Mesothelioma treatment centers have leading oncologists and surgeons and can help you access the latest therapies in clinical trials. Learn how Mesothelioma Hope can help you find a cancer center and seek financial assistance for your travel and treatment costs.

Medically reviewed by: Amy Fair, RN

Last updated:

Top Mesothelioma Treatment Centers

The best mesothelioma treatment centers have oncologists and surgeons experienced in diagnosing and caring for patients with mesothelioma cancer.

Today, patients can choose from several top mesothelioma cancer centers located all over the country. Read about some of them below and get help connecting with a treatment center for your first appointment.

Mesothelioma Specialist

Dr. R. Taylor Ripley

  • Has a robust clinical trials program testing emerging therapies
  • Home to the Mesothelioma Treatment Center (MTC) founded by the late Dr. David Sugarbaker
Mesothelioma Specialist

Dr. Raphael Bueno

  • Birthplace of the extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)
  • Home of the International Mesothelioma Program, one of the most comprehensive mesothelioma research programs in the world
Mesothelioma Specialist

Dr. Jacques Fontaine

  • Home to the Mesothelioma Research and Treatment Center
  • Tailors treatment approaches to each patient using the expertise of a multidisciplinary team
Mesothelioma Specialist

Dr. Robert Cameron

Mesothelioma Specialist

Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler

  • Home to ongoing clinical trials for novel vaccine therapies
  • Receives major funding for mesothelioma treatment research
Mesothelioma Specialist

Dr. Dao Nguyen

  • Home to one of the top 10 robotic video-assisted surgery programs
  • Offers advanced radiation therapy options like RapidArc® and proton therapy
Mesothelioma Specialist

Dr. Anne Tsao

  • Leading mesothelioma research facility studying targeted therapies
  • Provides tailored treatment plans focused on improving prognosis and maintaining the quality of life
  • Home of the Peritoneal Surface Malignancies program dedicated to treating rare abdominal cancers
  • Offers specialized treatment plans for peritoneal mesothelioma patients

Why Should I Visit a Mesothelioma Cancer Center?

Mesothelioma is extremely rare, with only about 3,000 new cases reported annually in the United States. Many general oncologists have little or no experience with malignant mesothelioma and may only be able to provide palliative care to manage the symptoms of this cancer.

Visiting a mesothelioma cancer center allows you to:

  • Confirm a diagnosis or get a second opinion. Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed as a more common illness. Specialists at mesothelioma cancer centers are best equipped to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis based on your medical background and history of asbestos exposure.
  • Receive specialized life-extending care. These cancer center teams provide mesothelioma treatments that range from immunotherapy and radiation to chemotherapy and aggressive tumor-removing surgeries. Getting specialized treatment gives you the best shot at improving your life expectancy.
  • Benefit from the latest therapies: Mesothelioma centers typically have their own research divisions. If you’re eligible, you may be able to join clinical trials to access cutting-edge treatments that aren’t yet available to the public.
  • Get supportive care for yourself or a loved one. Treatment is just one aspect of your mesothelioma journey. Mesothelioma cancer centers have social workers, faith-based leaders, and counselors on staff who can offer you and your family comfort and emotional support.

Finding a specialized mesothelioma cancer center goes beyond treating your symptoms — it’s about improving your chances of long-term survival.

“Mesothelioma isn’t something an oncologist can treat alone. Through different specialists, we can get these patients to their best outcomes.”
– Dr. Nestor Villamizar, Thoracic Surgeon, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Mesothelioma Treatment Centers by Diagnosis

Some cancer centers stand out for their expertise in treating a particular type of mesothelioma.

They generally have a deeper understanding of the unique characteristics and challenges associated with a specific diagnosis.

Read more about the top pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma cancer centers below.

Pleural Mesothelioma Cancer Centers

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of this cancer, affecting 80% of mesothelioma patients. It develops in the lining of the lungs, also known as the pleura.

Some of the top treatment centers for pleural mesothelioma include:

  • Baylor Lung Institute in Houston, TX
  • UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center in San Francisco, CA
  • University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami, FL
  • Duke Cancer Center in Durham, NC
  • Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, NY
  • Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD

Call (866) 608-8933 right now to reach a Mesothelioma Hope Patient Advocate who can help you find the best local treatment center for your diagnosis.

“My surgical team did everything in their power to help me. They researched. They talked to doctors from other hospitals all over the country.

My oncologist worked alongside Dr. Paul Sugarbaker to learn how to do the hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) procedure. It was inspiring how hard they worked to save my life.”

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Cancer Centers

Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common type of this cancer. It affects the peritoneum, which is the lining that covers the abdominal organs.

A few of the top cancer centers for peritoneal mesothelioma include:

  • National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD
  • UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center in San Diego, CA
  • University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center in Chicago, IL
  • University of Pittsburgh Hillman Cancer Center in Pittsburgh, PA
  • University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX
  • Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, TN

Mesothelioma Cancer Centers for Veterans

Veterans with mesothelioma may be eligible for free or reduced-cost treatment through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system.

VA doctors sympathize with the unique struggles facing veterans and their families. Additionally, VA mesothelioma cancer treatment centers can help veterans learn what other VA benefits they may be eligible for, such as disability payouts and special monthly compensation.

Some of the country’s top VA mesothelioma cancer centers are listed below, with options for connecting with each facility.

Mesothelioma Specialist
  • Affiliated with the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston
  • Only VA hospital that offers treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma
Mesothelioma Specialist

Dr. Daniel Wiener

  • Associated with Harvard Medical School
  • Serves veterans from across the country
Mesothelioma Specialist

Dr. Robert Cameron

  • Largest VA hospital in the nation
  • Treats pleural mesothelioma using the lung-saving pleurectomy with decortication surgery

Choosing a Mesothelioma Treatment Center

Considering some specific factors can help you decide which treatment facility is right for you.

Think about the following when researching mesothelioma cancer centers:

  • Ability to travel: Are you able to travel long distances for treatment?
  • Clinical trials: Is the treatment center conducting any clinical trials that could help you access new or emerging therapies?
  • Experience: How much experience does the facility have treating mesothelioma cancer?
  • Insurance: What procedures and medications does your plan cover, and does your coverage differ by location?
  • Out-of-pocket costs: Will your treatment-related costs differ from one center to another? Be sure to factor in transportation and lodging expenses if you’ll need to travel.
  • Support services: Does the treatment center offer counseling, nutritional guidance, mesothelioma support groups, and other services for patients and their families?
  • Surgical options: What surgeries are offered at each mesothelioma cancer treatment center?
  • VA services: Are there VA cancer centers nearby that specialize in treating veterans with mesothelioma?

Additionally, each mesothelioma treatment center has a unique philosophy toward cancer care. Some believe in administering the most aggressive forms of treatment, while others take a more conservative approach. Take your own treatment goals and comfort level into account before choosing a cancer center.

Find the Best Mesothelioma Cancer Center Near You

In the face of a mesothelioma diagnosis, personalized treatment is crucial. Mesothelioma cancer centers don’t just treat patients — they help transform their lives.

Mesothelioma Hope’s Patient Advocates are here to guide you to the best mesothelioma cancer center, connect you with top doctors, and help you apply for travel grants to ease some of the financial burdens of treatment.

Call (866) 608-8933 now to learn more or get started with our Free Doctor Match service.

Disclaimer

Mesothelioma Hope has no affiliation with and is not endorsed or sponsored by Dr. Robert B. Cameron. The contact information above is listed for informational purposes only. You have the right to contact Dr. Cameron directly.

Mesothelioma Treatment Centers FAQs

What is the best hospital for mesothelioma?

When researching the best treatment centers, it helps to look for hospitals with a National Center Institute (NCI) designation.

This means the facility has met particular standards for diagnosing and treating cancers like mesothelioma. There are currently 72 NCI-accredited cancer centers located across 36 states.

Some NCI-designated mesothelioma treatment centers include:

  • University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center in Illinois
  • University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas
  • University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Florida
  • UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center in California

Contact our team today to get help finding a top mesothelioma treatment center in your area.

How do patients get treatment at the best mesothelioma treatment centers?

In most cases, patients get treatment by consulting their doctor and researching recognized cancer centers with expertise in mesothelioma.

Patient advocacy groups like Mesothelioma Hope can also help you navigate the health care system and get information about top treatment centers.

Once you’re in contact with a mesothelioma treatment center, you can review your proposed treatment plan and discuss potential benefits, side effects, and outcomes based on your specific diagnosis.

What are mesothelioma centers of excellence?

Mesothelioma centers of excellence are specialized medical facilities known for their knowledge, care, and dedication to advancing the understanding and treatment of mesothelioma.

These centers have specialists in thoracic surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, and supportive care who collectively focus on mesothelioma cases.

You can find a mesothelioma center of excellence by asking your health care provider or reaching out to one of our Mesothelioma Hope Patient Advocates at (866) 608-8933.

How can I find a mesothelioma clinic near me?

You can start by asking your primary care physician for a recommendation, reaching out to a local hospital, or connecting with a mesothelioma support group.

When researching clinics, you should consider factors like the experience of its medical team, available treatment options, and patient reviews.

Mesothelioma Hope can also make the process easy and stress-free. Join our Free Doctor Match program to get help scheduling an appointment with a doctor at a local mesothelioma clinic.

Amy FairReviewed by:Amy Fair, RN

Registered Nurse (RN)

  • Fact-Checked
  • Editor

Amy Fair, RN, is a mesothelioma nurse with over 20 years of experience offering unwavering support to patients from the moment they are diagnosed and throughout the progression of their disease. Before becoming a mesothelioma nurse, Amy spent ten years providing compassionate care via home health care.

    Jenna TozziWritten by:

    Director of Patient Advocacy

    Jenna Tozzi, RN, is the Director of Patient Advocacy at Mesothelioma Hope. With more than 15 years of experience as an adult and pediatric oncology nurse navigator, Jenna provides exceptional guidance and support to mesothelioma patients and their loved ones. Jenna has been featured in Oncology Nursing News and is a member of the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators & the American Nurses Association.

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    References
    1. Baylor College of Medicine. (n.d.). Mesothelioma. Retrieved January 24, 2024, from https://www.bcm.edu/healthcare/care-centers/mesothelioma-treatment-center
    2. Brigham and Women’s Hospital. (n.d.). Mesothelioma. Retrieved January 24, 2024, from http://www.brighamandwomens.org/Departments_and_Services/surgery/thoracic-surgery/mesothelioma/default.aspx
    3. International Mesothelioma Program. (n.d.). Retrieved January 24, 2024, from https://impmeso.org/
    4. Moffitt Cancer Center. (n.d.). Mesothelioma. Retrieved January 24, 2024, from https://moffitt.org/cancers/mesothelioma/
    5. National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Find a cancer center. Retrieved January 24, 2024, from https://www.cancer.gov/research/infrastructure/cancer-centers/find
    6. National Cancer Institute. (2019, June 24). NCI-designated cancer centers. Retrieved January 24, 2024, from https://www.cancer.gov/research/infrastructure/cancer-centers
    7. Rossini, M., Rizzo, P., Bononi, I., Clementz, A., Ferrari, R., Martini, F., & Tognon, M. (2018, March 15). New perspectives on diagnosis and therapy of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Retrieved January 24, 2024, from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2018.00091/full#B135
    8. University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. (2023, November 20). A Rare Cancer: Malignant Mesothelioma. Retrieved January 24, 2024, from https://news.med.miami.edu/mesothelioma-treatment/
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    How We Can Help

    Mesothelioma Hope is passionate about helping patients and families affected by this aggressive cancer. A mesothelioma diagnosis can be scary and isolating, but we’re here for you at every step. Hope is only a phone call away.

    (866) 608-8933
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    • Get a second opinion
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    Financial Assistance
    • Access $30 billion in trust funds
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    • Increase your VA benefits
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