One of the problems in achieving an early mesothelioma diagnosis is the fact that the disease shares symptoms with many other more common afflictions. Moreover, most people who are developing mesothelioma today are retired or in their 60s or 70s. Physicians tend to expect ailments to develop more readily in older people, which is not unreasonable. But for someone with a history of asbestos exposure, prompt exploration of seemingly small matters like a persistent cough is important.
Primary Physicians
Usually a person seeks treatment from his or her primary physician, usually an internist or general practitioner. After tests fail to produce an adequate reason for fairly standard symptoms, the patient is referred to a specialist. If the symptoms are for malignant pleural mesothelioma, the most common variant of the disease, a pulmonary specialist may be next on the list of consulting doctors. Peritoneal mesothelioma patients exhibiting an extended abdomen may be sent to a gastroenterologist.
It is not unreasonable for a person with a history of asbestos exposure to seek out a specialist immediately. If you fit the profile: an older person with persistent chest pain or pleurisy or a cough that wont go away you might consider finding a doctor who specializes in chest illnesses and who is familiar with mesothelioma symptoms.
Mesothelioma Specialists
That doctor could be a thoracic surgeon, a pulmonologist or an oncologist. It is not a standard practice for patients to seek out specialists without a referral. Many insurance companies wont pay for such a visit without a referral. But for potential mesothelioma patients, sometimes it makes sense to accelerate the process by being aggressive. At the very least, work with a primary care provider who is familiar with the characteristics of mesothelioma and understands the urgency that goes with mesothelioma symptoms.
Some people feel that its necessary to seek out a doctor who has specialized in treatment and research for mesothelioma. Those individuals are usually very busy people who are probably several states away. It is enough to consult with a physician who can get moving on diagnostic procedures that include focus on mesothelioma. A CT scan can be read for mesothelioma symptoms as well as for pneumonia many of the symptoms are the same. Blood tests can look for the presence of malignant cells as well as for a virus or bacteria.
The important factor is time. A doctor who can make a speedy diagnosis is a good mesothelioma doctor, no matter what specialty he or she practices.
Mesothelioma Doctors. Oncologists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. While there is no mesothelioma cure, some oncologists have
A Guide to Finding the Top Mesothelioma Doctors in the U.S.
Mesothelioma Doctors. Anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma today is strongly encouraged to find a specialist who understands the intricacies of this rare cancer.
Mesothelioma Doctors | Locate the Nearest Mesothelioma ...
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may see a number of mesothelioma doctors who specialize in this type of cancer.
Mesothelioma Doctors | The Most Critical Decision Youll Make
The most important choice a mesothelioma patient can take is to locate qualified mesothelioma doctor able to treat and extend life expectancy.
Mesothelioma Doctors, Physicians & Specialists
Primary Physicians. Usually a person seeks treatment from his or her primary physician, Mesothelioma Specialists. That doctor could be a thoracic surgeon,
Mesothelioma Doctors - Surviving Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma Doctors List This is a list of mesothelioma doctors who reportedly treat mesothelioma patients. Their appearance on this website is not a
World-Renowned Mesothelioma Physicians | Where Patients ...
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it's important to be treated by the best mesothelioma doctors in the nation. Contact us to get connected.
Mesothelioma Doctors: Choosing a Top Cancer Specialist
Choosing a qualified doctor is a vital step on your road to fighting mesothelioma. Learn more about those experts and how to get in touch with them.
Doctor Match Program - Mesothelioma Center
Our Doctor Match Program is a free service that connects mesothelioma patients with top doctors across the nation in order to help them treat efficiently their
Asbestos & Mesothelioma Doctors | Best Mesothelioma Doctors
Best mesothelioma doctors can be found at specialized mesothelioma cancer centers, helping patients get the most accurate diagnosis and treatments.