A perfect Mesothelioma Support/help and connecting to a Mesothelioma Doctor will never make life miserable for you, even if they suspected it might unfold sometime in their life. Maybe they worked at a diner that sells asbestos miners, or perhaps they miners themselves. With that, they have been exposed and knowing full well the chances are high for having this type of cancer.

Being diagnosed with Mesothelioma is definitely a life-changing event; it is not just hard on the person who has it but their entire network of family and friends. However, counseling, as well as support groups, may be very beneficial.

Many towns have cancer support groups that meet weekly to share their experiences and offer hope to others. This is a great way to reach out and get the support you need from others in the same situation.

Family members are always advise to participate so as to express their feelings as well. Though often skipped, this is a very useful tool, and the people who participate in these meetings often know specialists in the field and can offer great advice.

Read Also: COVID19 Can Affect Mesothelioma Patients: FacTs You Need To Know

Smaller towns may not have an “in-person” option when it comes to supporting groups, but the Internet is full of sites dedicated to just what you are looking for.

Mesothelioma blogs/websites and message boards are great options. Join forums, get information, and find out all the news you need to know on the Internet if para venture you are tired. You can also find a ton of information about lawyers if required.

It takes 20 to 50 years to manifest with mesothelioma, a very rare latency period is shorter than 15 years, while the longest cases are between 60 and 70 years. Many people today feel the effects of the 40s, 50s and 60s. However, it is important to remember that there is a good chance of treating any cancer if it is detected earlier. So if you’ve ever been to asbestos or mining places, it’s a good idea to report it to your doctor.

How To Find An Experienced Mesothelioma Doctor

Have you been diagnosed with Mesothelioma? Then, your top priority should be doing everything in your power to get the best medical care possible. We recommend following these tips for finding an Experienced mesothelioma doctor. If you do, you’ll increase your chances of living well past your prognosis and potentially even beating this cancer.

i. Experience Key

Since Mesothelioma is an uncommon disease, the experience is vital when searching for the right doctor.

Many doctors don’t have much experience in diagnosing or treating cancer. They often confuse it with other health conditions, such as pneumonia or even other malignancies (lung cancer, ovarian cancer, etc.).

Fortunately, some doctors specialize in Mesothelioma. They are knowledgeable about where Mesothelioma develops, how quickly it spreads, and what the tumors look like on scans and in a biopsy. We recommend prioritizing their expertise in your search.

ii Your Type of Mesothelioma Is Important

Not every patient’s Mesothelioma is the same, and not every mesothelioma doctor is the same. There are two primary types of this disease: pleural Mesothelioma and peritoneal Mesothelioma. These diseases are very different, with varying treatment methods and survival rates.

Most mesothelioma doctors specialize in just one type. A few have experience treating both. It is important to know your type and which doctor is best suited to treat it.

Read Also: Mesothelioma Chemotherapy: All What You Should Know

iii. Choose a Doctor Who Works at a Center of Excellence (Access to resources)

Where a doctor works is also a crucial factor in your decision. Not every hospital provides the same resources. World-renowned hospitals have more extensive staff, more funding, a multi-disciplinary approach to care, and up-to-date equipment.

All of those factors are crucial and affects survival rates, which is why you should seek a doctor who works at a mesothelioma Center of Excellence.

iv. Find a Doctor Who Experiments With Different Treatments

There aren’t many approved mesothelioma treatment options. The only two are chemotherapy and the NovoTTF-100L System (a device that sends tumor-killing electrical currents into your body).

There are also emerging cancer treatment methods. These techniques have shown promise and helped many mesothelioma patients live for multiple years, which is well above the average survival rate.

The top emerging treatments used in clinical trials include Immunotherapy, Virotherapy, Gene therapy, and Intraoperative chemotherapy.

v. Location Should Matter, but Not Above All Else

Mesothelioma can drain your physical energy. For that reason, many patients prioritize finding a local doctor.

Just the thought of getting on a plane or taking a long car ride is exhausting. Additionally, traveling costs money, and not every patient can afford to go.

We understand why location matters, but we urge you not to dictate your decision around that factor.

If you have concerns about cost, then you can seek financial assistance. Many organizations offer travel grants and free or affordable housing to mesothelioma patients traveling for treatment.

If you have a list of equally qualified specialists, then that’s when you should consider their proximity to you.

FAQ

Is Mesothelioma Treatable?

Like most cancer, Mesothelioma is treatable. Treatment could be anything from a simple surgical procedure to a couple of sessions with chemotherapy or radiation.

How Can I Treat Mesothelioma?

Treatment such as chemotherapy can be pretty expensive. But if the treatment is needed, you may be able to have some or all of the costs paid for by whoever exposed you. Many lawsuits are in progress relating to asbestos exposure, so if you meet some of their conditions, you may qualify for free or reduced cost of medical care.