Mesothelioma Pulmonologist Specialist

What Is Pulmonology and Its Subspecialties?

A mesothelioma pulmonologist specializes in pulmonology, a branch of internal medicine dedicated to diagnosing and managing disorders of the respiratory system, including the lungs, upper airways, thoracic cavity, and chest wall.

Pulmonary medicine has existed for hundreds of years yet evolved into its own medical specialty in the 1950s when William Welch and William Osler founded the American Thoracic Society, which was created to study and prevent tuberculosis. Phthisiology, a subspecialty of pulmonology, was then born to further the development and treatment of tuberculosis.

Using pulmonary function tests (lung testing), pulmonologists evaluate lung function and disease of the lungs. Other tests that may be performed or ordered by a pulmonologist include biopsies, chest X-rays, CT scans, scintigraphy, polysomnography, or positron emission tomography. Other sub specialists of pulmonology include cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, interventional pulmonology, pulmonary hypertension, lung transplantations, critical care, and sleep disorders.

What Is a Pulmonologist?

A pulmonologist, or pulmonary disease specialist, is a medical doctor who specializes in the field of pulmonology. Through proper training and knowledge, pulmonologists have developed the proper skills in diagnosing and treating lung diseases, including cancers of the lung. Pulmonologists are qualified to diagnose and assist in the treatment of asbestos-related diseases.

A pulmonologist can help treat complicated respiratory diseases, such as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos dust and can start in the chest cavity, thoracic cavity, or abdomen. In rare cases, mesothelioma can occur in the testes. Because of its rarity and severity, patients often see a lung specialist or pulmonologist to assist with their lung-related disease. Other pulmonology diseases may include pneumonia, asthma, tuberculosis, emphysema, or severe chest infections.

Pulmonologists must complete a three-year internal medicine residency, followed by a two- or three-year fellowship in pulmonary medicine, depending on whether they also train in critical care. After completing the necessary training, pulmonologists become board-certified, allowing them to practice pulmonary medicine effectively.

Mesothelioma specialists who are pulmonologists may work in their own office or on a team of top mesothelioma doctors who specialize in other areas. In hospital settings, pulmonologists often work in the intensive care units. While serious lung disease procedures often require a chest surgeon, a pulmonologist can perform a simple procedure called thoracentesis to remove fluid from the pleural space around the lungs. Often, pulmonologists perform research in clinical trials, where they find new or improved ways to diagnose and treat diseases like mesothelioma.

Can a Pulmonologist Help With Peritoneal and Pleural Mesothelioma?

A mesothelioma patient’s cancer care team may consist of a pulmonologist. A multidisciplinary team of mesothelioma specialists works together to create the best treatment plan following a mesothelioma diagnosis. Pulmonologists play an important role in a patient’s mesothelioma journey. They utilize various respiratory system tests to find problems. People with mesothelioma should see a pulmonologist to seek support in accurately finding where a disease exists using chest X-rays or CT scans.

People with mesothelioma or asbestosis may see a pulmonologist for certain treatments, including oxygen therapy. Some asbestos-related diseases prevent patients from absorbing oxygen into the bloodstream from the lungs. A mesothelioma pulmonologist can administer supplemental oxygen through oxygen therapy.

A mesothelioma pulmonologist may prescribe medications that thin the airways and clear up buildup to improve breathing. Additionally, a pulmonologist can prescribe pain relievers or antibiotics to help fight infections in cancer patients but may not be the one to diagnose, just to help support breathing.

How Do Pulmonologists Diagnose Mesothelioma?

Pulmonologists diagnose mesothelioma and diseases using various tests. A doctor may refer a patient to a pulmonologist if they are experiencing trouble breathing or delivering oxygen to the bloodstream. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, can determine the cause of breathing issues. Additionally, a pulmonologist administers breathing exercises to determine the volume of oxygen entering the lungs and the overall lung function. A mesothelioma pulmonologist may diagnose and treat a mesothelioma patient experiencing breathing problems. Treatment may include breathing exercises, prescription drugs, or surgical procedures to remove fluid buildup.

Notable Mesothelioma Treatment Centers

There are numerous medical centers and experts dedicated to diagnosing and treating mesothelioma. These specialized facilities offer comprehensive care and cutting-edge treatments tailored to patients with this rare cancer.

• Penn Medicine Pleural Disease Program
• Northwestern Medicine
• Brigham and Women’s Hospital
• Mayo Clinic

Additional specialized centers include:

• The Mount Sinai Medical Center
• University of Chicago Medicine
• Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
• Creighton University Medical School
• New York University
• The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
• Washington Hospital Center
• NY Presbyterian Columbia University Medical Center
• Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center

Notable Mesothelioma Pulmonologist and Experts

Andrew Haas, Pulmonary Oncologist

Dr. Andrew Haas is a board-certified pulmonologist and orthopedic surgeon specializing in mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Considered one of the best mesothelioma doctors in the United States, Haas serves as the Director of Interventional Pulmonology and Thoracic Oncology, Bronchoscopy Directory, and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

Cassandra M. Braun, Pulmonologist

Dr. Cassandra M. Braun is a pulmonologist at Mayo Clinic, which is one of the top medical centers for mesothelioma treatment. Braun specializes in a variety of lung-related issues, including pleural effusion. She routinely performs thoracentesis to remove built-up fluid in the pleural lining. Braun treats patients at the Minnesota Mayo Clinic location.

Anthony R. Lanfranco, Pulmonologist

Dr. Anthony R. Lanfranco is a mesothelioma pulmonologist at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia. He serves as the Director of the Interventional Pulmonary Fellowship Program and Section of Interventional Pulmonology and Thoracic Oncology. Lanfranco also serves as the Director of Bronchoscopy and the Associate Program Director of Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship.

Francis D. Sheski, Pulmonologist

Dr. Francis D. Sheski specializes in pulmonology and respiratory care for the University of Indiana Health Physicians Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine. As a pulmonologist and one of the top mesothelioma doctors, Sheski treats various asbestos-related diseases that affect the lungs.

Help with Connecting to a Mesothelioma Pulmonologist

Navigating a mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming, but specialized medical centers and experts are available to provide the necessary care and treatment. If you or a loved one is facing this diagnosis, it’s crucial to connect with professionals who can guide you through the process and explore all available options. Additionally, if you need legal support regarding asbestos exposure or would like assistance connecting with a pulmonologist or specialist, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you every step of the way. Get a free case evaluation today.