Resources
Mesothelioma, an uncommon form of cancer, is a devastating condition that is irreversible and fatal. Between finding treatment facilities and dealing with the emotions of a mesothelioma diagnosis, patients can understandably feel overwhelmed, alone and/or depressed.
However, no one has to face a mesothelioma diagnosis on his or her own. The National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society and other mesothelioma resources can provide vital support to patients and their families so that both can get the most out of their precious time together.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI)
The National Cancer Institute is designed to help individuals with all types of cancer, including mesothelioma, and their families. For more information about mesothelioma and local resources including support groups and nearby treatment centers, visit www.cancer.gov/
or call toll free 1-800-4-CANCER.
The American Cancer Society (ACS)
The American Cancer Society is a national organization dedicated to helping mesothelioma and other cancer patients get the lifesaving help and support they need. The ACS has more than 3,400 offices. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another type of cancer, visit www.cancer.org
or call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 to find the nearest ACS office for free information and resources.
On the ACS website, patients can use search tools to find local:
- cancer hospitals
- treatment centers
- support groups
- therapy practices, including both physical therapists and psychologists
"I Can Cope"
I Can Cope is a program of the American Cancer Society. It is a free educational program designed for mesothelioma and other cancer patients and their families. The program offers free courses that are tailored to spread awareness and knowledge, increase skills and raise the positive attitude among cancer patients and their families.
The I Can Cope Program offers free courses on the following cancer-related topics:
- diagnosis & treatment
- positive thinking
- what to expect from treatment options
- pain management
- communication skills
- financial concerns
- emotions & self esteem
- nutrition & fatigue
The I Can Cope program offers free education courses all throughout the country. For more information about the I Can Cope programs nearest you, visit In My Community.
Mesothelioma Resources: Legal Help
In addition to treating the emotional and physical effects of mesothelioma, patients and their families should also take time to address their legal rights, as many are entitled to compensation for their asbestos exposure.
By starting an asbestos lawsuit, patients and their families can be on the path to recovering the money they need for long-term care and living expenses. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact The Asbestos Legal Center for legal help from a mesothelioma attorney today.
Finding a Mesothelioma Doctor
Because mesothelioma is a rare and deadly disease, it is important to choose a doctor who specializes in treating mesothelioma patients. Following is a list of some of the top mesothelioma specialists (in no particular order):
- David M. Jablons, MD – San Francisco, California
Assistant Professor of Surgery Chief, General Thoracic Surgery/UCSF Mt. Zion Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 885-3882
Treats pleural mesothelioma with a radical pleurectomy/decortication and is researching other therapies.
- Robert Cameron, MD – Los Angeles, California
UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
Phone: (310) 794-7333
- Claire F. Verschraegen, MD – Albuquerque, New Mexico
Director, Clinical Trial Office and Investigational Drug Program/Cancer Research and Treatment Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
Phone: (505) 272-4551
Currently conducting a front-line Alimta/gemcitabine trial for peritoneal mesothelioma patients.
- Brian W. Loggie, MD – Omaha, Nebraska
Professor of Surgery, Creighton University Medical School; Chief, Division of Surgical Oncology; Director of Cancer Center/Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, NE
Phone: (402) 280-4100
Specializes in the treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma and peritoneal carcinomatosis.
- W. Roy Smythe, MD – Temple, Texas
Professor and Chairman/Department of Surgery, Texas A&M University System Health Sciences Center, Scott & White Hospital, Temple, TX
Phone: 254-724-2595
- David C. Rice, MD – Houston, Texas
Assistant Surgeon and Assistant Professor of Surgery; Director, Mesothelioma Program; Director, Minimally Invasive Surgery Program, Thoracic Surgery/ The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Phone: (713) 794-1477
- Gregory P. Kalemkerian, MD – Ann Arbor, Michigan
Co-Director of Thoracic Oncology/University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center/ MI
Phone: (734) 936-5281
Works to develop novel clinical trials for mesothelioma patients.
- David P. Mason, MD – Cleveland, Ohio
Staff Surgeon, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery/Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH
Phone: (216) 444-4053
Dr. Mason is a proponent of aggressive multimodality therapy for malignant mesothelioma. This includes extrapleural pneumonectomy, chemotherapy and radiation with Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). Cleveland Clinic Foundation has a multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology team with extensive experience and clinical trials in the management of malignant mesothelioma.
- Lary A. Robinson, MD – Tampa, Florida
Director, Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Principal Thoracic Surgical Oncologist/H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL
Phone: (813) 972-8412
Dr. Robinson evaluates and treats all stages of mesothelioma. He is also involved in clinical research programs for lung cancer and mesothelioma.
- Craig W. Stevens, MD, PhD – Tampa, Florida
Division Chief, Radiation Oncology/H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute/Tampa, FL
Phone: (813) 972-8424
- Joseph S. Friedberg, MD – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Chief of Thoracic Surgery/University of Pennsylvania at Presbyterian, Philadelphia, PA
Phone: (215) 662-9195
- Daniel Sterman, MD – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine/University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
Phone: (215) 614-0984
Dr. Sterman is the co-author of several informative articles on treatment and clinical trials for pleural mesothelioma.
- David L. Bartlett, MD – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Professor of Surgery, Chief, Division of Surgical Oncology/UPMC Cancer Pavilion, Pittsburgh, PA
Phone: (412) 692-2852
Dr. Bartlett has a special research interest in treating advanced carcinomas in the peritoneal cavity, including peritoneal mesothelioma.
- Stephen C. Yang, MD – Baltimore, Maryland
Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery/Associate Professor of Surgery and Oncology/Surgical Director, Lung Transplantation Program/Director, Thoracic Oncology Program/Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD
Phone: (410) 614-3891
- Mark J. Krasna, MD – Towson, Maryland
Medical Director of the Cancer Institute at St. Joseph Medical Center/Towson, MD
Phone: (410) 427-2220
Dr. Krasna is a leader in the development of thoracic surgery. He is the author of the first textbook on thoracoscopic surgery and has instructed surgeons worldwide on his techniques.
- Paul H. Sugarbaker, MD, FACS, FRCS – Washington, DC
Director, Surgical Oncology/Washington Cancer Institute, Washington, DC
Phone: (202) 877-3908
Dr. Sugarbaker is a specialist in the treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma using a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
- Eric Vallieres, MD – Seattle, Washington
Associate Professor of Surgery, Section of General Thoracic Surgery/University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA
Phone: (206) 598-4477
Co-author of an article on Induction Chemotherapy, Extra Pleural Pneumonectomy And Adjuvant Fast Neutron Radiation Therapy For Pleural Mesothelioma.
- David H. Harpole, Jr., MD – Durham, North Carolina
Associate Professor of Surgery, Thoracic Oncology Program/Assistant
Professor of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
Phone: (919) 668-8413
- Valerie W. Rusch, FACS – New York, New York
Attending Thoracic Surgeon/Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Phone: (212) 639-5873
Dr. Rusch is known for the treatment of pleural mesothelioma. She has published several papers comparing pleural decortication to extrapleural pneumonectomy.
- Raja M. Flores, MD – New York, New York
Attending Thoracic Surgeon/Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Phone: (212) 639-2806
As part of his research, Dr. Flores has compiled a 1,000 patient database searching for ways how to improve treatments for mesothelioma.
- Harvey Pass, MD – New York, New York
Professor and Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery and Thoracic Oncology, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery/NYU School of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center/New York, NY
Phone: (212) 263-7417
- Robert N. Taub, MD – New York, New York Professor of Clinical Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons/New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY
Phone: (212) 305-4076
Studies patients with pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma.
- David J. Sugarbaker, MD – Boston, Massachusetts
Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery/Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA Chief, Department of Surgical Services/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
Phone: (617) 732-6824
Dr. Sugarbaker believes in aggressive treatment of pleural mesothelioma. He is a proponent of tri-modal therapy; extrapleural pneumonectomy, chemotherapy and radiation.
- Lambros Zellos, MD, MPH - Boston, Massachusetts
Attending Thoracic Surgeon; Clinical Co-Director of the International Mesothelioma Program/Brigham & Women's Hospital/Dana Farber Cancer Institute Harvard Medical School,
Phone: (617) 525-9657
For more information about mesothelioma resources, contact the Asbestos Legal Center today. Click here for a free information packet.
Resources
Mesothelioma, an uncommon form of cancer, is a devastating condition that is irreversible and fatal. Between finding treatment facilities and dealing with the emotions of a mesothelioma diagnosis, patients can understandably feel overwhelmed, alone and/or depressed.
However, no one has to face a mesothelioma diagnosis on his or her own. The National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society and other mesothelioma resources can provide vital support to patients and their families so that both can get the most out of their precious time together.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI)
The National Cancer Institute is designed to help individuals with all types of cancer, including mesothelioma, and their families. For more information about mesothelioma and local resources including support groups and nearby treatment centers, visit www.cancer.gov/
or call toll free 1-800-4-CANCER.
The American Cancer Society (ACS)
The American Cancer Society is a national organization dedicated to helping mesothelioma and other cancer patients get the lifesaving help and support they need. The ACS has more than 3,400 offices. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another type of cancer, visit www.cancer.org
or call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 to find the nearest ACS office for free information and resources.
On the ACS website, patients can use search tools to find local:
- cancer hospitals
- treatment centers
- support groups
- therapy practices, including both physical therapists and psychologists
"I Can Cope"
I Can Cope is a program of the American Cancer Society. It is a free educational program designed for mesothelioma and other cancer patients and their families. The program offers free courses that are tailored to spread awareness and knowledge, increase skills and raise the positive attitude among cancer patients and their families.
The I Can Cope Program offers free courses on the following cancer-related topics:
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The I Can Cope program offers free education courses all throughout the country. For more information about the I Can Cope programs nearest you, visit In My Community.
Mesothelioma Resources: Legal Help
In addition to treating the emotional and physical effects of mesothelioma, patients and their families should also take time to address their legal rights, as many are entitled to compensation for their asbestos exposure.
By starting an asbestos lawsuit, patients and their families can be on the path to recovering the money they need for long-term care and living expenses. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact The Asbestos Legal Center for legal help from a mesothelioma attorney today.
Finding a Mesothelioma Doctor
Because mesothelioma is a rare and deadly disease, it is important to choose a doctor who specializes in treating mesothelioma patients. Following is a list of some of the top mesothelioma specialists (in no particular order):
- David M. Jablons, MD – San Francisco, California
Assistant Professor of Surgery Chief, General Thoracic Surgery/UCSF Mt. Zion Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 885-3882
Treats pleural mesothelioma with a radical pleurectomy/decortication and is researching other therapies. - Robert Cameron, MD – Los Angeles, California
UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
Phone: (310) 794-7333 - Claire F. Verschraegen, MD – Albuquerque, New Mexico
Director, Clinical Trial Office and Investigational Drug Program/Cancer Research and Treatment Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
Phone: (505) 272-4551
Currently conducting a front-line Alimta/gemcitabine trial for peritoneal mesothelioma patients. - Brian W. Loggie, MD – Omaha, Nebraska
Professor of Surgery, Creighton University Medical School; Chief, Division of Surgical Oncology; Director of Cancer Center/Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, NE
Phone: (402) 280-4100
Specializes in the treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma and peritoneal carcinomatosis. - W. Roy Smythe, MD – Temple, Texas
Professor and Chairman/Department of Surgery, Texas A&M University System Health Sciences Center, Scott & White Hospital, Temple, TX
Phone: 254-724-2595 - David C. Rice, MD – Houston, Texas
Assistant Surgeon and Assistant Professor of Surgery; Director, Mesothelioma Program; Director, Minimally Invasive Surgery Program, Thoracic Surgery/ The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Phone: (713) 794-1477 - Gregory P. Kalemkerian, MD – Ann Arbor, Michigan
Co-Director of Thoracic Oncology/University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center/ MI
Phone: (734) 936-5281
Works to develop novel clinical trials for mesothelioma patients. - David P. Mason, MD – Cleveland, Ohio
Staff Surgeon, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery/Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH
Phone: (216) 444-4053
Dr. Mason is a proponent of aggressive multimodality therapy for malignant mesothelioma. This includes extrapleural pneumonectomy, chemotherapy and radiation with Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). Cleveland Clinic Foundation has a multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology team with extensive experience and clinical trials in the management of malignant mesothelioma. - Lary A. Robinson, MD – Tampa, Florida
Director, Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Principal Thoracic Surgical Oncologist/H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL
Phone: (813) 972-8412
Dr. Robinson evaluates and treats all stages of mesothelioma. He is also involved in clinical research programs for lung cancer and mesothelioma. - Craig W. Stevens, MD, PhD – Tampa, Florida
Division Chief, Radiation Oncology/H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute/Tampa, FL
Phone: (813) 972-8424 - Joseph S. Friedberg, MD – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Chief of Thoracic Surgery/University of Pennsylvania at Presbyterian, Philadelphia, PA
Phone: (215) 662-9195 - Daniel Sterman, MD – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine/University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
Phone: (215) 614-0984
Dr. Sterman is the co-author of several informative articles on treatment and clinical trials for pleural mesothelioma. - David L. Bartlett, MD – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Professor of Surgery, Chief, Division of Surgical Oncology/UPMC Cancer Pavilion, Pittsburgh, PA
Phone: (412) 692-2852
Dr. Bartlett has a special research interest in treating advanced carcinomas in the peritoneal cavity, including peritoneal mesothelioma. - Stephen C. Yang, MD – Baltimore, Maryland
Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery/Associate Professor of Surgery and Oncology/Surgical Director, Lung Transplantation Program/Director, Thoracic Oncology Program/Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD
Phone: (410) 614-3891 - Mark J. Krasna, MD – Towson, Maryland
Medical Director of the Cancer Institute at St. Joseph Medical Center/Towson, MD
Phone: (410) 427-2220
Dr. Krasna is a leader in the development of thoracic surgery. He is the author of the first textbook on thoracoscopic surgery and has instructed surgeons worldwide on his techniques. - Paul H. Sugarbaker, MD, FACS, FRCS – Washington, DC
Director, Surgical Oncology/Washington Cancer Institute, Washington, DC
Phone: (202) 877-3908
Dr. Sugarbaker is a specialist in the treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma using a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. - Eric Vallieres, MD – Seattle, Washington
Associate Professor of Surgery, Section of General Thoracic Surgery/University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA
Phone: (206) 598-4477
Co-author of an article on Induction Chemotherapy, Extra Pleural Pneumonectomy And Adjuvant Fast Neutron Radiation Therapy For Pleural Mesothelioma. - David H. Harpole, Jr., MD – Durham, North Carolina
Associate Professor of Surgery, Thoracic Oncology Program/Assistant
Professor of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
Phone: (919) 668-8413 - Valerie W. Rusch, FACS – New York, New York
Attending Thoracic Surgeon/Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Phone: (212) 639-5873
Dr. Rusch is known for the treatment of pleural mesothelioma. She has published several papers comparing pleural decortication to extrapleural pneumonectomy. - Raja M. Flores, MD – New York, New York
Attending Thoracic Surgeon/Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Phone: (212) 639-2806
As part of his research, Dr. Flores has compiled a 1,000 patient database searching for ways how to improve treatments for mesothelioma. - Harvey Pass, MD – New York, New York
Professor and Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery and Thoracic Oncology, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery/NYU School of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center/New York, NY
Phone: (212) 263-7417 - Robert N. Taub, MD – New York, New York Professor of Clinical Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons/New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY
Phone: (212) 305-4076
Studies patients with pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. - David J. Sugarbaker, MD – Boston, Massachusetts
Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery/Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA Chief, Department of Surgical Services/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
Phone: (617) 732-6824
Dr. Sugarbaker believes in aggressive treatment of pleural mesothelioma. He is a proponent of tri-modal therapy; extrapleural pneumonectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. - Lambros Zellos, MD, MPH - Boston, Massachusetts
Attending Thoracic Surgeon; Clinical Co-Director of the International Mesothelioma Program/Brigham & Women's Hospital/Dana Farber Cancer Institute Harvard Medical School,
Phone: (617) 525-9657
For more information about mesothelioma resources, contact the Asbestos Legal Center today. Click here for a free information packet.
Contact the Asbestos Legal Center Today. We Can Help.
To learn more about how we can help you with your case, please contact us today! Complimentary Legal Evaluation.
Millions in Compensation
Asbestos was once widely used, and many employers and product manufacturers failed to provide adequate warnings regarding the risks of asbestos exposure. As a result of such negligence, mesothelioma victims can file a lawsuit to potentially obtain millions in compensation for their illness. The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.
