After a person is diagnosed as having mesothelioma, the patient needs to give careful consideration to the choice of the physician who will treat the disease. New developments and treatments are becoming available every day. Some physicians may not be aware of new treatment and therapies available to mesothelioma patients. Many patients are told mesothelioma has no cure and the only treatment available is palliative, that is, to ease pain and provide comfort. Although mesothelioma has been a rare cancer, it is being diagnosed in more patients. This is because mesothelioma usually has a latency period of 20 or more years.
It is important to find a doctor who continually researches and learns about the new developments related to malignant mesothelioma. The doctor should be associated with a hospital or treatment center that treats lung disease, and preferably one that specializes in mesothelioma research and treatment.
