Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

Twenty five surgeons from UCSF were designated as U.S. Top Doctors, according to U. S. News and Castle Connolly Medical Ltd.  Of these UCSF doctors, several are thoracic surgeons renowned in their field.  Thoracic surgery is one of the mesothelioma treatments used to treat patients diagnosed with this incurable form of asbestos cancer.

Fifteen of the twenty-five listed also received the prestigious distinction (reserved for the top 1%of U.S. physicians) of America’s Top Doctors (ATD).  When it comes to medical care, UCSF offers conventional, established treatments for malignant mesothelioma as well as the opportunity to participate in clinical trials.

The UCSF Thoracic Oncology Lab investigates a variety of strategies to diagnose and treat mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, as well as many other types of lung cancer.  The thoracic surgeons at UCSF are knowledgeable in using standard front line as well as novel combinations of therapy that maximize patients chances of early diagnosis.  With earlier diagnosis, patients also can qualify and access more of the most effective and aggressive mesothelioma treatments possible. 

Mesothelioma is a form of non-small cell lung cancer that develops in the mesothelium, or thin membrane lining around the body’s internal organs. The majority of lung cancers (80-90%) are non-small cell lung cancers, hence the need for highly qualified surgeons in this area. 

Because symptoms of mesothelioma can be very similar to more common illness, such as the flu or pneumonia, correct diagnosis can be delayed and not made until the cancer has reached advanced stages. There is no cure for mesothelioma, but surgery is one treatment that can prolong survival times and increase quality of life for the patient.  Having a thoracic surgeon who specializes in mesothelioma and non-small cell carcinomas of the lung is crucial.

Thoracic surgery, sometimes also referred to as surgical resection, is used to remove mesothelioma tumors and some of the normal tissue around them.  Surgery is often followed up with chemotherapy or radiation therapy to kill any malignant mesothelial cells that are left.  Such adjuvant therapy for mesothelioma increases chances of slower progression of the cancer. 

The Adult Cardiothoracic Surgery Division at UCSF is one of the top in the nation, with four full time thoracic surgeons: 

• David M. Jablons, M.D.,  Professor   & Chief Thoracic Surgeon, listed as both U.S. News as well as America’s Top Doctors
• Michael Mann, M.D., Associate Professor of Surgery, listed as U.S. News Top Doctor
• Pierre R. Theodore, M.D., and
• Jasleen Kukreja, M.D., M.P.H.

In addition, the following UCSF surgeons were on the U.S. News AND America’s Top Doctor List:

• Scot H. Merrick, M.D., Professor & Chief,  Division of Adult Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Robert S. Warren, M.D., Professor of Surgery, Director, Surgical Oncology Lab

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the asbestos attorneys at Clapper Patti Schweizer & Mason strongly suggest you consider UCSF Medical Center as it is consistently ranked among the top ten hospitals in the nation and is known for its aggressive approach to fighting and treating advanced lung cancer.

About Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason

CPSM are pioneers in asbestos litigation, exclusively handling mesothelioma lawsuits on behalf of asbestos victims for more than 30 years.  Because of their long expertise in the field, CPSM can help those diagnosed with mesothelioma get not only the best legal representation but the most up-to-date information mesothelioma treatments and treatment centers.  If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, call today 1-800-440-4262 for a no cost evaluation and to discuss the best treatment options for your particular type of illness.