If you have ever been exposed to asbestos, or believe you may have, you may be wondering if you should get screened for mesothelioma. The answer is yes. Early detection of mesothelioma is critical, as it can dramatically improve treatment options and survival rates. Knowing where to get screened for mesothelioma in Pennsylvania could quite literally save your life.
Why Early Detection of Mesothelioma Is So Important
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It’s primarily caused by asbestos exposure, often from occupational environments such as construction sites, shipyards, steel mills, and even public school buildings.
Unfortunately, symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until decades after exposure. That’s why screening and early detection are vital for those at risk. Early-stage mesothelioma is more responsive to treatment, offering a better prognosis and quality of life.
Where to Get Screened for Mesothelioma in Pennsylvania
Here are some of the leading medical centers and cancer institutes in Pennsylvania offering mesothelioma screenings and diagnostics:
1. University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Mesothelioma and Pleural Program (Philadelphia, PA)
Penn Medicine is home to one of the most comprehensive mesothelioma programs in the country, offering advanced screening tools, CT scans, biopsies, and specialized oncologists.
- Website: Penn Mesothelioma Program
2. UPMC Hillman Cancer Center (Pittsburgh, PA)
UPMC offers comprehensive mesothelioma screening, diagnostics, and clinical trials. Their thoracic oncology program is recognized for excellence in cancer care.
- Website: UPMC Mesothelioma Care
3. Fox Chase Cancer Center (Philadelphia, PA)
Fox Chase is an NCI-designated cancer center that offers screenings and advanced treatment for mesothelioma. They specialize in thoracic oncology and occupational-related cancers.
- Website: Fox Chase Cancer Center
4. Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute (Allentown, PA)
A growing resource in eastern PA, LVHN offers lung cancer and mesothelioma screenings, including low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals.
- Website: LVHN Mesothelioma Screening
Who Should Get Screened?
You should consider mesothelioma screening if:
- You worked in construction, shipbuilding, steel mills, or automotive industries before the 1980s.
- You lived with someone who worked around asbestos.
- You’ve had known or potential asbestos exposure at any point in your life.
- You are experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or chronic coughing.
Many asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, develop silently. That’s why screening is recommended even without current symptoms, especially if you fall into a high-risk group.
Sources:
- Penn Medicine Mesothelioma Program
