Doctors will typically refer suspected mesothelioma patients to a cancer specialist, known as an oncologist. The oncologist will diagnosis the type and stage of mesothelioma and determine the best therapy. Please see "Oncologist" for more information on this tpye of doctor.
If radiation is indicated, the oncologist will refer patients to a radiation oncologist. While some radiologists read x-rays to diagnose broken limbs and other injuries, mesothelioma patients see a therapeutic radiologist or a radiation oncologist. These are specialists in delivering radiation (or high doses of x-rays) to patients to kill the tumor cells.
Patients undergoing surgery to remove a tumor, which can be a very aggressive surgery, may have to see a pulmonary therapist as part of follow-up treatment. Pulmonary therapists work with a wide variety of patients, not just cancer patients. Their job is to help recover lost lung function. Patients may also have to see a pulmonologist (neumologist), which is a specialist of the lungs, or may have to see a thoracic surgeon, who specializes in surgeries of the thoracic area.
Mesothelioma is an extremely aggressive cancer with a low success rate for treatment. Patients that are diagnosed with mesothelioma may suffer from a variety of conflicting emotions regarding treatment and prognosis. It is not unusual for a doctor to recommend a visit to a psychologist. It is important to maintain mental health during the treatment process. Patients that feel more positive about their treatment are more likely to respond positively to the treatment.
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