Mesothelioma is a complex and rare cancer, and life expectancy often depends on whether a person is treated at a specialized cancer center where they have access to the best mesothelioma doctors. Mesothelioma cancer centers and hospitals offer specialized care focused on improving patient outcomes, providing advanced treatment options from experienced mesothelioma specialists, personalized treatment plans, and access to the latest therapies to help extend survival and enhance quality of life.
Call BCH at (713) 909-7910 for a free case evaluation to learn more.
Top Mesothelioma Treatment Centers in the United States
The following centers are recognized for their expertise, dedicated mesothelioma programs, and rankings from sources such as the 2025–2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals list. U.S. News & World Report evaluated nearly 5,000 hospitals and surveyed 30,000 physicians to determine the top facilities for cancer treatment, measuring patient outcomes, safety, nurse staffing, physician reputation, and key programs such as hospice and palliative care.
Northeast Treatment Centers
Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center — Boston, MA
Home to the International Mesothelioma Program, one of the world's leading centers for mesothelioma care. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is affiliated with Harvard Medical School and receives more than $500 million in research grants each year from the National Institutes of Health.
Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, MA
Treats mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other thoracic cancers through the Center for Thoracic Cancers. Ranked among the top five cancer hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — New York, NYÂ
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City is the runner-up on U.S. News & World Report's top cancer hospitals list, praised for its research advances and patient outcomes.
Mount Sinai Hospital — New York, NYÂ
Dr. Raja Flores at Mount Sinai is a thoracic surgeon and pleural mesothelioma specialist who has dedicated part of his career to helping 9/11 first responders coping with asbestos-related diseases.
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, PAÂ
Penn Medicine's Mesothelioma and Pleural Disease Program specializes in treating mesothelioma and related pleural conditions.
Fox Chase Cancer Center — Philadelphia, PAÂ
A longstanding NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center with thoracic oncology specialists experienced in mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment.
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center — Pittsburgh, PAÂ
Part of larger lung and cancer teams at the University of Pittsburgh, UPMC offers comprehensive mesothelioma care.Â
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center — Buffalo, NYÂ
An esteemed mesothelioma cancer center of excellence recognized for its commitment to comprehensive cancer care.
Dartmouth Cancer Center — Lebanon, NHÂ
A premier facility for cancer treatment and research, its Comprehensive Thoracic Oncology Program provides state-of-the-art screening, diagnosis, and treatment for patients with lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma.
South & Southeast Mesothelioma Treatment Centers
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center — Houston, TX
U.S. News & World Report ranked MD Anderson the top hospital for cancer care in America for the 11th consecutive year in 2025–2026. Dr. Anne Tsao, a medical oncologist and mesothelioma specialist, directs their mesothelioma program and leads clinical trials treating the disease.
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center — Tampa, FL
Moffitt is one of only two NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in Florida. Patients with pleural mesothelioma turn to highly trained thoracic surgeon Dr. Jacques Fontaine, who is regularly asked to provide expertise in the development of new mesothelioma treatments.
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center — Miami, FLÂ
Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma may access the most effective treatment for the disease — cytoreductive surgery with heated chemotherapy — at Sylvester. Dr. Mecker Moller, a surgical oncologist who specializes in peritoneal mesothelioma, was the first surgeon to perform the procedure in South Florida.
Ochsner Cancer Institute — New Orleans, LAÂ
A leading cancer center in the Gulf South with experience treating thoracic malignancies including mesothelioma.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, TNÂ
An esteemed mesothelioma cancer center of excellence serving patients across the Southeast.
Midwest Mesothelioma Treatment Centers
Mayo Clinic Cancer Center — Rochester, MN (also Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ and Jacksonville, FL)
Among the very first facilities to be designated a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center has sites offering mesothelioma care in multiple states. The Mayo Clinic Thoracic Surgery Division offers patients comprehensive, team-based care tailored to each stage of mesothelioma treatment.
University of Chicago Medicine — Chicago, IL
Dr. Hedy Kindler is director of the University of Chicago Medicine Mesothelioma Program, one of the most recognized mesothelioma specialists in the country.
Cleveland Clinic — Cleveland, OHÂ
Cleveland Clinic is included on the 2025–2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals Honor Roll and offers thoracic oncology care for mesothelioma patients.
Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center — St. Louis, MOÂ
One of the largest cancer centers in the United States and an international leader in treating lung cancer and mesothelioma, Siteman is the cancer research, prevention, and treatment facility for Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine.
Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center — Omaha, NEÂ
Part of the Nebraska Medicine Cancer Network, it combines basic and clinical cancer research with patient care, including inpatient and outpatient services for patients diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma.Â
West & Pacific Mesothelioma Treatment Centers
UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center — Los Angeles, CAÂ
Known for innovative lung-sparing surgeries and mesothelioma treatment programs. Dr. Robert Cameron leads UCLA's thoracic oncology program.
Stanford Health Care — Palo Alto, CAÂ
Offers treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma through the Thoracic and Lung Cancer Program.Â
Pacific Meso Center / Providence Saint John's Health Center — Los Angeles, CAÂ
One of the few centers in the country dedicated exclusively to mesothelioma research and treatment, offering access to specialized clinical trials.
OHSU Knight Cancer Institute — Portland, ORÂ
An NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center offering a team-based approach for mesothelioma treatment.Â
Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center — Oakland, CAÂ
Dr. Jeffrey Velotta treats patients at Oakland Medical Center, which is ranked among the best by U.S. News & World Report.Â
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VA Medical Centers for Veterans with Mesothelioma
Veterans make up over 30% of mesothelioma cases due to high rates of asbestos exposure in the military. Dedicated VA programs exist specifically for veterans:
The VA's top programs include the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, and the VA Boston Healthcare System.
Understanding Mesothelioma: Key Facts and Statistics
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer — 2,669 cases were reported in the United States in 2022, according to the CDC. Exposure to asbestos causes most cases of mesothelioma, a mineral widely used in construction and manufacturing before its health dangers were understood.
Incidence rates have remained relatively stable over the past decade, with the disease's long latency period — typically 20 to 50 years between asbestos exposure and diagnosis — meaning current cases largely reflect occupational exposures from the 1960s through 1980s. Mesothelioma-lung-cancer
Types of Mesothelioma
There are four types of mesothelioma, classified by where the cancer originates:
- Pleural mesothelioma — Cancer of the lining of the lungs (the pleura). This is the most common type of all mesothelioma cases.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma — Cancer of the lining of the abdominal cavity. This accounts for 10–30% of cases.
- Pericardial mesothelioma — Cancer of the lining around the heart. This makes up around 1% of cases.
- Testicular mesothelioma — Cancer of the lining around the testicles. This is the rarest type, accounting for less than 1% of cases.
Survival Rates and Prognosis
For pleural mesothelioma, the most common diagnosis, the 1-year survival rate is 73% and the 5-year survival rate is 15%. Treatment at a specialized center — where doctors regularly treat mesothelioma and have access to clinical trials — can significantly impact outcomes.
The time between exposure to asbestos and the development of mesothelioma is often decades, which is why mesothelioma is much more common in older people. The average age of people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma is about 70.
How to Choose the Right Mesothelioma Treatment Center for You
When evaluating treatment centers, consider the following:
- Dedicated mesothelioma program — Look for hospitals with a named mesothelioma team, not just general oncology services.
- Multimodal treatment options — The best centers offer surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy, often in combination.
- Access to clinical trials — As of 2025, there are 73 NCI-designated cancer centers that conduct clinical trials, test new cancer drugs, and advance standard treatments.
- NCI designation — NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers are the highest-recognized tier for cancer research and care.
- Experience with your specific type — Pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, and testicular mesothelioma each require different specialists and surgical approaches.
- Support services — Palliative care, counseling, and support groups are markers of a truly patient-centered center.
Advocacy for Workers Exposed to Asbestos
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with asbestos-related mesothelioma, it is important to know your options. BCH has experience in handling mesothelioma cases. Companies that used asbestos knew about the risks. You deserve justice. Let us help you.
Don’t hesitate to contact our attorneys to learn about the legal aspect of your case. Our firm is passionate about fighting for injured workers.
Call BCH at (713) 909-7910 for a free case evaluation to learn more. No fee unless we win.
