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serious illnesses, which lead to a battery of tests, many which must be approved by insurance plans. The diagnosis might start with X-rays, followed by an MRI and later CT scans and PET scans — all designed to eliminate other possible causes. Fluid and tissue samples are later obtained through biopsies to confirm any suspicions of mesothelioma. Those can be done multiple ways, depending on the doctor performing them. Biopsies can be done through a thoracoscopy, which involves a camera equipped tube that is inserted through the chest wall or a fine needle aspiration. There also are excisional biopsies, which include tumor cell samples. A mesothelioma specialist, who knows exactly what to look for, often can streamline the process, making the insurance issue easier. Find the Best Mesothelioma Specialist Finding a mesothelioma specialist often requires out-of-network and out-of-state travel to find the best possible medical care, which can complicate health insurance. But finding a top specialist will be worth the extra step and cost. There are many examples of mesothelioma patients extending their lives because they were willing to fly across the country to see thoracic surgeon Dr. David Sugarbaker, who is now at the Baylor University Lung Institute in Houston. Others have seen Dr. Raja Flores at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, or Dr. Rodney Landreneau at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. "To get the best treatment, it's critically important to find a mesothelioma specialist," said Moffitt Cancer Center's thoracic surgeon Dr. Jacques Fontaine, whose patients travel across the Southeast to see him. "It can make such a difference in terms of survival." Additional Resources Free VA Claims Assistance Get Help Now Get Help Paying for Treatment & More Learn More Support Group for Patients Join the Group Now Tim Povtak AUTHOR Tim Povtak Tim Povtak is an award-winning writer with more than 30 years of reporting national and international news. His specialty is interviewing top mesothelioma specialists and researchers, reporting the latest news at mesothelioma cancer centers and talking with survivors and caregivers. If you have a story idea for Tim, please email him at tpovtak@asbestos.com. View Article Sources Share Our Page Share Tweet Share View our resources for patients and families Get Help Today NAVIGATION Mesothelioma Finding Treatment Help For Veterans Legal Options News About Disclaimer FAQs Privacy Policy Blog MONTHLY NEWSLETTER Stay up-to-date on treatment, research, clinical trials, doctors and survivors. Email Address SIGN UP CERTIFICATIONS This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: Verify Here. mesothelioma