Mesothelioma

Doctors at the Mesothelioma and Thoracic Oncology Treatment and Research Center can make a difference.

Part of the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center in Baltimore, our internationally recognized team specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and cutting-edge research of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

The center is one of few in the world to house several mesothelioma experts who are highly experienced in treating pleural (in the chest) mesothelioma.

Together, these experts use a fine-tuned multidisciplinary (multi-D) approach to find the best treatment solutions for patients with this difficult disease.

The center's mesothelioma experts specialize in surgical, medical and radiation oncology; pulmonary and integrative medicine; pathology; radiology; and palliative care. This comprehensive team works together with each patient to create a treatment plan that preserves life and quality-of-life for as long as possible.

Our patients are truly at the center of their care. A dedicated mesothelioma nurse coordinates appointments and treatment with medical, surgical and radiation oncologists. She even handles authorization with our patients' health insurance companies. This "one-stop shopping" approach lowers patient stress and inconvenience and improves communication. It results in the ideal way to tackle the complex care required for mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Quick Facts...

• In the United States, 2,000 to 3,000 patients are diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma each year.
• Pleural mesothelioma affects men much more frequently than women, and is more common in white Americans.
• People first experience pleural mesothelioma symptoms at the average age of 70.
• The period between exposure to asbestos and the initial onset of mesothelioma symptoms can be 20 to 40 years.
• For malignant pleural mesothelioma, the median survival time is between 4 and 12 months, depending on the stage of presentation. The three-year survival is 10 percent, and the overall five-year survival is approximately 5 percent.

Our Mission

The goal of the Mesothelioma and Thoracic Oncology Treatment and Research Center is to provide the finest care available today for mesothelioma and thoracic oncology patients, and to develop even better treatments for tomorrow.