find care
Our team of compassionate, highly trained urologists provides comprehensive treatment options tailored to your individual needs. We’re here to guide you with expertise, respect, and care — every step of the way.
Texas Oncology is a leader in groundbreaking cancer research and clinical trials in Texas, paving the way for new breakthroughs in cancer care.
Mesothelioma symptoms may share the same symptom profile as other health conditions (i.e they are non-specific), so it is recommended to see your provider as soon as you can. That way, you can rule out whether your symptoms are caused by mesothelioma or other conditions. Common general mesothelioma symptoms include:
Texas Oncology specialists are equipped to diagnose mesothelioma and may use the following diagnostic tests:
A CT scan provides detailed images of body tissues and organs to determine the extent and spread of mesothelioma.
A thoracotomy is a major surgery that involves opening the chest in order to remove a sample of tissue.
A VATS biopsy is a video-assisted biopsy approach of the pleural area.
During a bronchoscopy, a surgeon or pulmonologist inserts a bronchoscope (thin, lighted tube) through the nose or mouth into the trachea (windpipe) and bronchi (air passages that lead to the lung). Through this tube, the surgeon can examine the inside of the trachea, bronchi, and lung and collect cells or small tissue samples. Lymph node assessments of the central chest may be obtained by a procedure called EBUS (endobronchial ultrasound) to get a tissue diagnosis.
During a thoracentesis, a needle is inserted through the chest wall into the pleural space in order to remove a sample of the fluid that surrounds the lungs in order to check for the presence of cancer cells.
Mesothelioma treatment is not one size fits all. That is why we personalize your treatment plan based on factors like age, medical history, general health, and treatment goals. Treatment for mesothelioma may involve the following:
Surgery for mesothelioma may involve removing tumors and potentially organs or diseased tissues affected by the cancer.
Chemotherapy is medication administered through an IV to shrink cancerous mesothelial cells and lower the risk of spreading throughout the entire body.
Immunotherapy utilizes drugs, vaccines, and other therapies to activate the body’s natural defenders to fight mesothelioma. Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ipilimumab (Yervoy), nivolumab (Opdivo), and pembrolizumab (Keytruda) for mesothelioma.
This therapy uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells, helping reduce or eliminate the tumor. Mesotheliomas tend to be hard to treat with radiation therapy because they do not grow as a single tumor, making it difficult to aim the radiation without avoiding normal tissues. Newer radiation techniques may be available that make this treatment an option for some patients.
Mesothelioma treatment is continually evolving. At Texas Oncology, we are actively involved in clinical research to bring novel therapies to our patients.
Trusted expertise
Our specialists trained at leading institutions across the country. They bring their extensive knowledge and experience to each patient.
Personalized attention
With our care team, you receive an individualized evaluation and care plan. We are with you and your loved ones at every step, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.
Experts close to home
We make it as easy as possible to access the care you need. With locations across the state, you are likely to find a provider near where you live and work.
At Texas Oncology, our mesothelioma program lies at the heart of our commitment to delivering advanced cancer care. Our doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating this rare cancer that develops in the lungs, abdomen, heart, or testicles. They bring their skills and expertise to each case while tailoring each visit to your needs and treatment goals.
What sets Texas Oncology apart is our collaborative, patient-centered approach. With more than 550 physicians across the state, our patients receive world-class care close to home.
When you seek care with us, you can expect a personalized care plan, a dedicated team alongside you, and the latest advancements in mesothelioma cancer treatment, all designed to support you.
Malignant mesothelioma is an uncommon type of cancer that begins in the mesothelium, the thin tissue lining the lungs, heart, abdomen, or testicles. There are two common types of malignant mesothelioma:
Malignant pleural mesothelioma
This cancer develops in the pleura, a two-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs and the inside of the chest. Within malignant pleural mesothelioma, there are three distinct categories: epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and mixed-type.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma
This cancer develops in the peritoneum, a thin membrane surrounding the abdominal cavity and the surface of abdominal organs.
Mesothelioma occurs when the DNA in mesothelial cells is damaged. While the exact cause of the damage is unknown, research shows a link between mesothelioma and asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring mineral fibers that is resistant to heat and corrosion. Because of these properties, it is widely used for insulation and found in building materials (floor tiles, cement, roofing shingles), friction products (clutch, brake pads, transmission parts), and attic and wall insulation. Other potential causes include ionizing radiation, carbon nanotubes (tubular molecule composed of atoms), viral oncogenes, genetic risk factors, and other mineral fibers like erionite and fluoro-edenite.
Asbestos exposure is one of the biggest risk factors for mesothelioma. Given those conditions, the best way to reduce mesothelioma risk is by limiting exposure to asbestos at home and work. Miners, factory workers, insulation manufacturers, railroad and automotive workers, ship builders, gas mask manufacturers, plumbers, and construction workers are at risk for high levels of asbestos due to the nature of their jobs. If you work in any of the above professions, consider using protective equipment and following the safety procedures for working around asbestos.
Mesothelioma symptoms may share the same symptom profile as other health conditions (i.e they are non-specific), so it is recommended to see your provider as soon as you can. That way, you can rule out whether your symptoms are caused by mesothelioma or other conditions. Common general mesothelioma symptoms include:
Texas Oncology specialists are equipped to diagnose mesothelioma and may use the following diagnostic tests:
A CT scan provides detailed images of body tissues and organs to determine the extent and spread of mesothelioma.
A thoracotomy is a major surgery that involves opening the chest in order to remove a sample of tissue.
A VATS biopsy is a video-assisted biopsy approach of the pleural area.
During a bronchoscopy, a surgeon or pulmonologist inserts a bronchoscope (thin, lighted tube) through the nose or mouth into the trachea (windpipe) and bronchi (air passages that lead to the lung). Through this tube, the surgeon can examine the inside of the trachea, bronchi, and lung and collect cells or small tissue samples. Lymph node assessments of the central chest may be obtained by a procedure called EBUS (endobronchial ultrasound) to get a tissue diagnosis.
During a thoracentesis, a needle is inserted through the chest wall into the pleural space in order to remove a sample of the fluid that surrounds the lungs in order to check for the presence of cancer cells.
Mesothelioma treatment is not one size fits all. That is why we personalize your treatment plan based on factors like age, medical history, general health, and treatment goals. Treatment for mesothelioma may involve the following:
Surgery for mesothelioma may involve removing tumors and potentially organs or diseased tissues affected by the cancer.
Chemotherapy is medication administered through an IV to shrink cancerous mesothelial cells and lower the risk of spreading throughout the entire body.
Immunotherapy utilizes drugs, vaccines, and other therapies to activate the body’s natural defenders to fight mesothelioma. Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ipilimumab (Yervoy), nivolumab (Opdivo), and pembrolizumab (Keytruda) for mesothelioma.
This therapy uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells, helping reduce or eliminate the tumor. Mesotheliomas tend to be hard to treat with radiation therapy because they do not grow as a single tumor, making it difficult to aim the radiation without avoiding normal tissues. Newer radiation techniques may be available that make this treatment an option for some patients.
Mesothelioma treatment is continually evolving. At Texas Oncology, we are actively involved in clinical research to bring novel therapies to our patients.
Trusted expertise
Our specialists trained at leading institutions across the country. They bring their extensive knowledge and experience to each patient.
Personalized attention
With our care team, you receive an individualized evaluation and care plan. We are with you and your loved ones at every step, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.
Experts close to home
We make it as easy as possible to access the care you need. With locations across the state, you are likely to find a provider near where you live and work.
