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Four Must Read books for anyone diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Cancer Centers

Finding the best doctor and hospital to treat pleural mesothelioma is an important step after receiving a diagnosis. Many cancer facilities have little experience in dealing with pleural mesothelioma because of its rarity and a patient may need to travel to another city to undergo treatment. Nonetheless, finding the right facility to handle your case can make all the difference.

Asking the doctor who made the initial diagnosis for their opinion concerning a cancer care center is a good place to start. It is important to research all options before making a decision. The Commission on Cancer and National Cancer Institute can help a patient find a quality hospital for their needs and our Patient Advocates can also provide a list of pleural mesothelioma treatment centers that are best suited for each patient. Our Patient Advocates can be reached by filling out the packet request form on this page or by calling 1-800-381-1772.

The Commission on Cancer

The American College of Surgeons offers help to cancer patients seeking quality treatment through its Commission on Cancer program (CoC). The CoC approves cancer treatment facilities and hospitals that offer the best in cancer treatment. When selecting a facility that is on the CoC's approved list, a patient can be assured that the best possible cancer care is being offered. There are a total of 1,400 cancer facilities on the CoC's approved list, which range from major comprehensive cancer centers to community hospitals and smaller treatment centers.

Each approved facility has several specialists and offers lifetime follow-up care for the patients they have treated. However, the mesothelioma patient must be aware that only some of the facilities on the CoC's list have pleural mesothelioma specialists. A list of the CoC's approved treatment centers can be found on the American Cancer Society's Web site.

National Cancer Institute

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is dedicated to improving cancer treatment and prevention by supporting the latest in cancer research. Today, more than 60 U.S. cancer treatment centers work in partnership with the National Cancer Institute. The NCI approves cancer facilities at one of three levels, which range from basic to comprehensive.

Comprehensive cancer care facilities approved by the NCI are frequently located at large university research hospitals. NCI Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers are more likely to offer advanced pleural mesothelioma treatment options, such as an extrapleural pneumonectomy. This extensive surgery offers the best chance to pleural mesothelioma patients in the first stage of development.

Other Tips on Choosing a Treatment Facility

In some instances, time will be of the essence in obtaining treatment. Ask the doctor who performed the diagnosis about how quickly someone should make the decision on a treatment facility. A number of factors may be considered when choosing a pleural mesothelioma treatment center, such as location, travel costs, available treatments and expertise.

Speaking with a pleural mesothelioma Patient Advocate can simplify the selection process because they are knowledgeable on pleural mesothelioma cancer centers and can provide resources to help inform a patient in making the best treatment decisions for their case. Simply fill out the form on this page or call 1-800-381-1772 to speak with a Patient Advocate.

Source

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_2_5X_Determining_Cancer_Care_Quality.asp?sitearea=ETO