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Mesothelioma Center - Shreveport, LA

Shreveport Oncologist Doctors for Mesothelioma

Type of Physician: Oncologist

What is a Oncologist?

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; the oncologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of cancer and other benign and malignant tumors. These subspecialists decide on and administer chemotherapy as well as consult with surgeons and radiotherapists on other treatment for cancer.

Specialty: Oncology (Medical)

Common Name: Cancer Doctor

Oncologist Doctors in Shreveport *

Christus Schumpert Health Systems Medical Oncology
Ruben D Vargas-Cuba
1 Saint Mary Pl
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 681-4138

Benjamin D Li MD
Benjamin D Li
1501 Kings Hwy
Shreveport, LA 71130
(318) 675-6102

Shreveport Breast Center
Michael A Schwalke
8001 Youree Dr
STE 960
Shreveport, LA 71115
(318) 212-3706

Shreveport, Louisiana

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Mesothelioma

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer (malignancy) that most frequently arises from the cells lining the sacs of the chest (the pleura) or the abdomen (the peritoneum). Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form, often presenting with symptoms in the chest area. Peritoneal mesothelioma is much less common. This can effect the organs in the abdomen, and its symptoms are related to this area of the body, that is, abdominal swelling, nausea, vomiting, and bowel obstruction. The rarest form of mesothelioma is pericardial mesothelioma, which involves the sac surrounding the heart.

There are two major cell types of mesothelioma, epithelial and sarcomatoid. Sometimes both of these cell types can be present. The sarcomatoid type is rarer and occurs in only about 15% of cases; it portends a poorer prognosis. In very rare cases, mesothelioma can originate from benign, non-malignant cells. This so-called benign mesothelioma can be cured surgically.

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

Most people present with complaints of shortness of breath. They also can have complaints of chest pain. Surprisingly, this pain is often not pleuritic; that is, it does not get worse with deep breathing. This is surprising in that the pleura (outer surface of the lung) is often involved in this disease, and most other diseases involving the pleura are often associated with pleuritic pain (pain that worsens with deep breathing). Patients may also be asymptomatic, with the disease discovered by physical exam or an abnormal chest X-ray.

As the disease progresses, shortness of breath increases, and weight loss, decreased appetite, and night sweats can develop. Local invasion by the tumor can result in changing of voice, loss of function of the diaphragm, and symptoms specific to the area and involvement of adjacent structures.

What causes mesothelioma?

Most peo...

Recommended Reading Related to Mesothelioma

Cancer Risk Factors »

Risk factors

Doctors often cannot explain why one person develops cancer and another does not. But research shows that certain risk factors increase the chance that a person will develop cancer. These are the most common risk factors for cancer:

  • Growing older
  • Tobacco
  • Sunlight
  • Ionizing radiation
  • Certain chemicals and other substances
  • Some viruses and bacteria
  • Certain hormones
  • Family history of cancer
  • Alcohol
  • Poor diet, lack of physical activity, or being overweight

Many of these risk factors can be avoided. Others, such as family history, cannot be avoided. People can help protect themselves by staying away from known risk factors whenever possible.

If you think you may be at risk for cancer, you should discuss this concern with your doctor. You may want to ask about reducing your risk and about a sch...

Emergency Contact for Shreveport

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Shreveport Hospitals *

Doctors' Hospital of Shreveport
1130 Louisiana Ave
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318)227-1211

Brentwood Hospital
1006 Highland Ave
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318)678-7500

CHRISTUS Schumpert St Mary Place
One Saint Mary Pl
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318)681-4500

Promise Hospital of Shreveport
1800 Irving Pl
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318)425-4096

CHRISTUS Schumpert Sutton Children's Medical Center
One Saint Mary Pl
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318)424-5437

Dubuis Hospital Shreveport
One Saint Mary Pl
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318)678-1000

Overton Brooks VA Medical Center
510 E Stoner Ave
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318)221-8411

Shriners Hospital Shreveport
3100 Samford Ave
Shreveport, LA 71103
(318)222-5704

LSU Health Sciences Center
1541 Kings Hwy
Shreveport, LA 71103
(318)675-5000

Willis-Knighton Medical Center
2600 Greenwood Rd
Shreveport, LA 71103
(318)212-4000

LifeCare Hospitals of Shreveport North
2550 Kings Hwy
Shreveport, LA 71103
(318)212-6860

Willis-Knighton Bossier Health Center
2400 Hospital Dr
Bossier City, LA 71111
(318)212-7000

Cornerstone Hospital of Bossier City
4900 Medical Dr
Bossier City, LA 71112
(318)747-9500

LifeCare Hospitals of Shreveport Pierremont
8001 Youree Dr
Shreveport, LA 71115
(318)212-3200

Willis-Knighton Pierremont Health Center
8001 Youree Dr
Shreveport, LA 71115
(318)212-3000

CHRISTUS Schumpert Highland Hospital
1453 E Bert Kouns Industrial Loop
Shreveport, LA 71105
(318)681-5000

LifeCare Hospitals of Shreveport South
9320 Linwood Ave
Shreveport, LA 71106
(318)688-8504

Willis Knighton South
2510 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop
Shreveport, LA 71118
(318)212-5000

Minden Medical Center
1 Medical Plz
Minden, LA 71055
(318)377-2321

North Caddo Medical Center
1000 S Spruce St
Vivian, LA 71082
(318)375-3235

DeSoto Regional Health System
207 Jefferson St
Mansfield, LA 71052
(318)872-4610

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