According to the National Cancer Institute, Mesothelioma is a rare kind of cancer usually caused by inhalation of asbestos materials. Some people because of their job descriptions are exposed regularly to such hazardous chemicals.



Mesothelioma is a rare kind of cancer. It takes doctors specializing in this disease to detect and treat the cancer. Sadly, there are only a few of these doctors to date.

These doctors are worthy to mention below.

Dr. Roy Smythe, MD

Professor and Chairman

Department of Surgery

Texas A&M University System Health Sciences Center

Scott & White Hospital, Temple, TX

Phone: 254-724-2595

Dr. Smythe attended his medical study in Baylor University. In 1998, he became a faculty member of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. In 1989, he graduated with the highest honors in Texas A&M University in 1989. He was also awarded the Helen Salyer Anderson Medal for Academic Achievement.

Between 1989 and 1996, he started a laboratory test which led to the first clinical gene therapy for the disease called mesotheliomia. Since then, he worked hand in hand with other specialists in looking for a treatment of mesothelioma-inflicted diseases.

Organizational Membership:

•Diplomat of the American Board of Surgery

•American Board of Thoracic Surgery

•Alpha Omega Alpha

•American Association for Cancer Research

•American Society for Gene Therapy

•Association for Academic Surgery

•Southern Thoracic Surgical Association

Dr. Valerie W. Rusch, FACS

FACS Chief, Thoracic Service

Phone: 212-639-5873

Dr. Rusch is a specialist in many kinds of cancers including the mesothelioma. She made several research projects to test how patients respond to several treatments. She aims to provide the best treatment possible for cancer patients.

Other clinical expertise:

•Thoracic Surgical Oncology

•Lung Cancer

•Esophageal Cancer

•Mediastinal Tumors

•Mesothelioma

•Pulmonary Metastases

•Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery

•Pulmonary and Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

•Laser Endoscopy

•Tracheobronchial and Esophageal Stents

Dr. Lary A. Robinson, M.D.

Dr. Robinson authored several medical publications and has exerted a lot of effort involving cancer-related research projects, particularly for mesothelioma and lung cancer. He focuses on evaluating treatments of different stages of mesothelioma including therapeutic treatments.

Other achievements of Dr. Robinson include:

•Undergraduate Degree – University of Kansas

•Medical Degree – Washington University School of Medicine

•Fellowship in cardiac research and clinical cardiac – St. Thomas' Hospital in London

•Diplomat of the American Board of Surgery

•American Board of Thoracic Surgery

•Certified in Surgical Critical Care

•Associate Professor of Surgery and Pharmacology

•Clinical Director of the Clinical Perfusion Science Education Program

Dr. Stephen C. Yang, M.D.

Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery

Associate Professor of Surgery and Oncology

Surgical Director, Lung Transplantation Program

Di6rector, Thoracic Oncology Program

Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD

Phone: (410) 614-3891

Dr. Yang initiated various medical researches including:

•Development of molecular markers for early diagnosis of lung cancer, recurrent lung cancer and surgical resection

•Early detection and intervention of teleomerase

•Molecular biology of mesothelioma

Clinical Expertise:

•Lung Cancer

•Lung Diseases: fibrosis, emphysema

•Esophageal Cancer

•Mesothelioma

•CT scanning for early diagnosis of tobacco related diseases

•Lung transplantation – Adult and Pediatric programs

•Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS)

•Lung volume reduction surgery for emphysema

Professional credentials:

•B.A. Chemistry – Duke University

•M.D. Medicine – Medical College of Virginia

•General Surgery Residency – University Texas Health Science Center in Houston

•Cardiothoracic Fellowship – Medical College of Virginia

•Thoracic Oncology Surgery Fellowship – M.D. Anderson Cancer Center