Massachusetts General Hospital
55 Fruit Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
Massachusetts General Hospital is one of the top-ranked medical institutions in the city of Boston and state of Massachusetts. The mesothelioma cancer center has thoracic surgeons and oncologists providing care to people with this cancer.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Massachusetts General Hospital
55 Fruit Street
Boston, MA 02114
Dr. Justin Gainor
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More About Mesothelioma Treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital
People with the rare and aggressive cancer mesothelioma should find a hospital or cancer center well-regarded for treating this disease.
Massachusetts General Hospital – sometimes shortened to Massachusetts General or Mass General – is a leading cancer institution in the northeast region of the United States. Located in the heart of Boston, it’s conveniently located near a major airport and accessible to all patients.
Mass General offers the Center for Thoracic Cancers to anyone with pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lining of the lungs. The aim is to provide personalized multidisciplinary mesothelioma treatment. This involves surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
Massachusetts General has the prestigious distinction of being the teaching hospital for Harvard Medical School, one of the most renowned medical education institutions in the world. There’s also an affiliate cancer center: Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, which is shortened to Mass General Cancer Center.
Experienced Mesothelioma Specialists
- Dr. Yolonda Colson, Chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery
- Dr. Justin Gainor, Director of the Center of Thoracic Cancers
- Dr. Michael Lanuti, Director of Thoracic Oncology
- Dr. Jennifer Temel, Clinical Director of Thoracic Oncology
- Dr. Henning Willers, Director of Thoracic Radiation Oncology
Affiliations
- Harvard Medical School
- Mass General Cancer Center
Treatment Specialties
- Extrapleural pneumonectomy surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
Get Connected to Massachusetts General
Massachusetts General Hospital is a worthy option for any mesothelioma patient seeking a cancer center for their care. Options include aggressive surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and palliative care.
Why Choose Massachusetts General?
- Multidisciplinary staff available for patient care
- Hosting innovative clinical trials for quality of life
Top Ranking Among Mesothelioma Hospitals
Massachusetts General is one of the top-ranked hospitals in the U.S. News & World Report 2025-2026 Best Hospitals Honor Roll and first in Massachusetts. The hospital is also in the top 20 for general cancer treatment (5th), gastrointestinal cancer surgery (9th), and lung cancer surgery (18th), which applies to peritoneal mesothelioma and pleural mesothelioma.
Hospital Ranking
- Listed in the U.S. News & World Report 2025-2026 Hospitals Honor Roll
- Ranked 1st in Massachusetts
- Ranked 1st in Boston
- Ranked 5th for cancer treatment
- Ranked 9th in gastrointestinal cancer surgery (peritoneal mesothelioma)
- Ranked 18th in lung cancer surgery (pleural mesothelioma)
Innovative Clinical Trial for Mesothelioma
Most clinical trials for mesothelioma involve new therapies hoping to shrink tumors and prolong survival. Massachusetts General Hospital and Mass General Cancer Center take a different approach: improving quality of life and managing expectations following treatment.
Dr. Lara Traeger led the study, which was titled “The Transitions Program.” Mesothelioma was the focus, hoping to help patients in their post-treatment and post-cancer lives.
“People who were done with treatment said they were having a lot of struggles they didn’t expect to have,” Dr. Traeger said in an exclusive interview with Mesothelioma Guide. “One patient said, ‘It actually got harder for me. I didn’t have a concrete plan.’”
The study compared two groups of mesothelioma patients:
- One receiving counseling right when treatment ends and again after 14 weeks
- Another receiving consistent counseling sessions during the 14-week period
The idea is to provide regular mental health awareness and care to patients after treatment. This program can address many questions and fears, including:
- Will the cancer return?
- Will symptoms go away?
- When will I return to normal functioning?
“Our primary outcome is quality of life,” Dr. Traeger told Mesothelioma Guide. “Our target, which we’re trying to change, is people’s ability to cope with uncertainty, cope with symptoms, and satisfaction with relationships.”
How to Begin Treatment at Massachusetts General
Massachusetts General Hospital and Massachusetts General Cancer Center combine as a top-ranked medical institution in the United States. Mesothelioma is one of many malignancies treated by the thoracic cancers center, which has radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and surgeons.
For more information on Massachusetts General, please contact our registered nurse. Karen Ritter’s email is karen@mesotheliomaguide.com. She will help you reach out to the Mass General staff.
Sources & Author
- Massachusetts General Hospital. U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved from: https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/ma/massachusetts-general-hospital-6140430. Accessed: 08/11/2025.
- Center for Thoracic Cancers. Massachusetts General Hospital. Retrieved from: https://www.massgeneral.org/cancer-center/treatments-and-services/thoracic-cancers. Accessed: 02/09/2022.
AI Summary of Massachusetts General Hospital
Massachusetts General Hospital, located at 55 Fruit Street in Boston, is widely recognized as one of the top medical institutions in the United States. Known for its comprehensive and innovative approach to cancer care, it offers specialized treatment services for patients diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. The hospital’s mesothelioma program is dedicated to providing personalized care, combining surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive services tailored to each individual's needs. The hospital's leadership includes highly experienced thoracic surgeons and oncologists, ensuring patients have access to the most advanced treatments and clinical trials available today.
At Massachusetts General Hospital, patients with pleural mesothelioma are cared for through the Center for Thoracic Cancers. This multidisciplinary team aims to deliver comprehensive treatment that addresses all aspects of the disease, with the goal of improving quality of life as well as managing cancer. The hospital's reputation is reinforced by its association with Harvard Medical School, which underscores its commitment to medical excellence and education. The hospital also hosts the Mass General Cancer Center, which provides additional resources and expertise in cancer treatment. For patients, this means access to a coordinated team of specialists who collaborate to develop and implement the best possible treatment plans, often involving advanced surgical options such as extrapleural pneumonectomy, alongside innovative therapies like clinical trials and palliative care.
Massachusetts General Hospital is highly ranked on the national level, being listed in the U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals Honor Roll for 2025-2026. It holds the number one spot in Massachusetts and Boston, with top rankings for cancer treatment and thoracic surgery. The hospital’s focus on cutting-edge research and patient-centered care makes it an excellent choice for anyone facing a mesothelioma diagnosis. The hospital also leads pioneering programs like “The Transitions Program,” which aims to improve the well-being and resilience of patients after treatment. This program emphasizes mental health support and encouragement, addressing the often-overlooked emotional and practical challenges that may follow cancer therapy. For those seeking treatment, Massachusetts General Hospital offers expert care, advanced clinical trials, and a compassionate environment dedicated to supporting patients and their families through every step of their journey.