Texas has quietly become one of the nation’s most important hubs for mesothelioma treatment. That status isn’t accidental. It’s the result of decades of industrial growth, a high incidence of asbestos-related disease, and the development of world-renowned cancer centers and medical research institutions.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, there are few places better equipped than Texas to offer hope, cutting-edge care, and long-term support.
Why Mesothelioma Is So Common in Texas
The story of mesothelioma in Texas begins with its economic backbone: industry. For over a century, Texas has been home to some of the largest industrial job sites in the country, many of which relied heavily on asbestos.
Major Sources of Asbestos Exposure in Texas
Texas’s industrial economy was built on:
- Oil refineries along the Gulf Coast
- Chemical processing plants in Houston and Beaumont
- Steel and aluminum plants in cities like Longview and Corpus Christi
- Shipyards and naval installations, particularly around Galveston and Orange
These job sites used asbestos in insulation, pipe coverings, machinery, and building materials. As a result, workers were regularly exposed to airborne asbestos fibers, often without warning or protection.
Over time, this led to Texas developing one of the highest rates of asbestos-related diseases in the U.S., including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
Did You Know?
Texas ranks among the top five states for mesothelioma deaths, according to CDC data.
Texas Has Built World-Class Mesothelioma Treatment Centers
While the state’s industrial past contributed to the rise in asbestos disease, it also helped fund the medical infrastructure that now leads the country in mesothelioma treatment and cancer research.
Top Texas Cancer Centers for Mesothelioma Care
Some of the best mesothelioma cancer centers in the country are based in Texas, including:
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston)
Consistently ranked as the #1 cancer center in the country, MD Anderson leads the way in mesothelioma research, clinical trials, and treatment innovation. - Baylor Scott & White Health (Dallas)
Offers advanced thoracic surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy tailored for pleural mesothelioma patients. - UT Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas)
Known for surgical excellence and integrated oncology programs for complex cancers, including peritoneal mesothelioma. - Texas Oncology (Statewide Network)
With clinics across Texas, this network helps patients access chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and supportive care close to home.
These institutions don’t just treat mesothelioma. They lead national clinical trials and publish groundbreaking research on mesothelioma survival and treatment options.
Texas Attracts Top Mesothelioma Specialists
Because of its concentration of elite hospitals, Texas is home to many of the country’s top mesothelioma doctors, including:
- Thoracic surgeons who specialize in extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and pleurectomy/decortication (P/D)
- Medical oncologists with experience in immunotherapy and mesothelioma-specific chemotherapy
- Radiation oncologists using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to target mesothelioma tumors with precision
This level of specialization often means better patient outcomes and access to newer, less invasive treatment protocols.
Why Patients Travel to Texas for Mesothelioma Care
Texas has become a destination state for mesothelioma treatment. Every year, patients from across the U.S. travel to Houston, Dallas, or Austin to seek care they can’t find elsewhere.
Some reasons include:
- Access to clinical trials and experimental treatments
- Second opinions from leading mesothelioma doctors
- Multidisciplinary care teams that include nutritionists, palliative care, and mental health experts
- Comprehensive cancer centers that handle everything from diagnosis to long-term survivorship
Asbestos Disease Has Shaped the Legal and Medical Landscape in Texas
Because asbestos exposure was so widespread in Texas industries, it’s not just the medical system that has evolved. So has the legal infrastructure supporting mesothelioma victims.
Attorneys that devote their practice to helping asbestos victims, like the Dallas mesothelioma attorneys at DuBose Law Firm, help victims pursue compensation from negligent manufacturers and employers. Their experience with Texas job sites, including refineries, shipyards, and power plants, gives them a strong advantage when building legal cases.
Tip: If you or a loved one was diagnosed with mesothelioma in Texas, don’t delay. Both treatment and legal action benefit from early intervention.
Texas Is Also Leading the Way in Mesothelioma Research
Institutions like MD Anderson and UT Southwestern aren’t just treating patients. They’re writing the future of mesothelioma care.
Recent innovations include:
- Tumor gene profiling to personalize chemotherapy
- CAR-T cell therapy trials for mesothelioma patients
- HIPEC (Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) for advanced peritoneal mesothelioma
- Minimally invasive surgery for early-stage pleural mesothelioma
As this research continues, more patients will benefit from longer survival times and improved quality of life.
Texas Communities Provide Support for Mesothelioma Families
From Houston to El Paso, mesothelioma has affected thousands of Texas families. As a result, the state has developed a strong network of:
- Cancer support groups
- Mesothelioma-specific advocacy organizations
- Caregiver training resources
- Travel and lodging assistance for out-of-town treatment
These services can make a world of difference, especially during the most difficult phases of the disease.
FAQs About Mesothelioma Treatment in Texas
What makes Texas a leader in mesothelioma care?
Texas combines world-class hospitals, experienced doctors, and high patient volume to provide advanced, compassionate care.
Is MD Anderson the best hospital for mesothelioma?
It’s widely considered one of the top mesothelioma centers in the U.S., offering clinical trials, surgical options, and personalized treatment plans.
Do I need a referral to get treated in Texas?
Some hospitals accept self-referrals, but it’s best to check with the specific center. Most also coordinate care with out-of-state doctors.
How can I afford to travel for treatment in Texas?
Many cancer centers offer travel assistance programs. Legal compensation may also help cover treatment costs.
Can I join a clinical trial in Texas if I live in another state?
Yes, many trials accept out-of-state patients. You’ll need to meet certain criteria, and your care may be coordinated locally.
Is legal help available for asbestos exposure in Texas?
Yes. Texas mesothelioma attorneys can help identify exposure sources and file claims for compensation.
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