Thoracic Oncology

Thoracic oncology is dedicated to diagnosing and treating cancers affecting the organs within the thorax, including the lungs, mediastinum, and chest wall. This specialty employs a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted treatments to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients.

Key procedures in Thoracic Oncology

Thoracic Surgery
Various surgical operations are performed, such as:

• Lobectomy: Removal of a lung lobe affected by cancer.
• Pneumonectomy: Complete removal of an entire lung.
• Wedge Resection: Removal of a small, localized section of the lung.
• Mediastinoscopy: Biopsy of lymph nodes in the mediastinum to aid in staging.
• Bronchoscopy: A flexible scope is used to examine the airways and collect tissue samples (biopsies) from the lungs or nearby lymph nodes.
• Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS): Combines bronchoscopy with ultrasound to biopsy lymph nodes adjacent to the airways.
• Thoracentesis: Removal of fluid from the pleural space around the lungs for diagnostic purposes or to alleviate symptoms of pleural effusion.
• Pleurodesis: A substance (like talc) is introduced into the pleural space to prevent fluid accumulation in recurrent cases. 

Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
These treatments may be used in combination with surgery or independently to shrink tumors, manage symptoms, or serve as adjuvant therapy following surgery.

Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy:
Medications designed to specifically target genetic mutations or proteins involved in cancer growth, as well as therapies that enhance the immune system’s ability to combat cancer cells.