The WMCHealth thoracic oncology program provides care for all types of thoracic cancer. Our team of experienced and highly skilled thoracic oncologists use the latest technology and techniques to diagnose, treat, and manage all stages of thoracic cancer. We are committed to providing you with clear, reliable, and practical thoracic care close to home.
Our Team Approach
We take a team approach to diagnosing and treating your thoracic cancer. Our experts collaborate closely during each stage of your cancer journey to ensure you have all of the clinical resources you need. Your supportive thoracic oncology team includes:
- Pulmonologists who specialize in lung conditions
- Medical oncologists who specialize in diagnosing and treating cancer
- Pathologists who specialize in diseases and how they affect your body
- Radiation oncologists who specialize in using radiation to treat and cure cancer
- Thoracic surgeons who specialize in treating your heart, lungs, esophagus, and major blood vessels in your chest
We understand that a thoracic cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. That’s why at WMCHealth, we provide you with additional support services during your care, including:
- Social services professionals who can provide counseling, education, and community resources
- Physical and respiratory therapists who can help you to stay active and improve your quality of life
- A prehabilitation program designed to help you reach your most optimal physical condition prior to thoracic surgery. We help you focus on exercise, nutrition, smoking cessation, and psychological coping. This works to reduce surgical complications and promote faster healing.
Conditions We Treat
- Esophageal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor [GIST] (a rare type of cancer in the connective tissue along your gastrointestinal tract, including your stomach and small bowel)
- Thymoma and thymic carcinoma (a cancer in your thymus, which is a small gland located behind your breastbone that is responsible for developing white blood cells to help your body fight off infections)
- Mesothelioma (a rare type of cancer that can affect the lining of your lungs, chest wall, abdomen, or in the tissue around your testicles)
- Esophageal cancer (a cancer that affects the muscular tube connecting your throat and stomach)
- Lung cancer
Thoracic Oncology Tests
Diagnosing thoracic cancer involves a series of steps:
- Your doctor will ask about your medical history to understand your symptoms and potential risk factors. Additionally, they will conduct a physical examination to identify any signs. If your doctor suspects you have thoracic cancer, they will order more tests.
- Imaging tests can provide a more detailed look at any suspicious areas of your chest that might be cancerous. Imaging tests can include a CT scan, MRI, and a PET scan.
- Biopsies can confirm the presence of cancer. During a biopsy, your doctor removes a small sample of tissue from the suspicious area in your chest and sends it to the lab for analysis. Biopsies can also help your doctor determine the stage of your cancer, allowing for a most effective treatment plan.
Thoracic Oncology Treatments
At WMCHealth, we can provide you with a range of treatment options. Your thoracic oncology team will help you understand the pros and cons of each option and recommend a treatment plan tailored for your needs. Ultimately, you can decide which treatment, if any, is right for you.
Some of the treatments we offer include:
- Surgery
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
Thoracic Surgery
When aiming for a cure, thoracic surgery may be your recommended treatment. At WMCHealth, we use the latest and greatest robotic technology, which enhances your thoracic surgeon’s ability to see and perform precise hand movements. For you, this means:
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster recovery times
- Less risk of complications
- Preservation of healthy lung tissue
- Less discomfort and long-term scarring
The Importance of Early Detection
Early detection is crucial when it comes to treating thoracic cancer successfully. That’s why WMCHealth offers a lung cancer screening program to detect lung cancer at an early stage when it’s easiest to treat. If you are at high risk for lung cancer, talk to your doctor about scheduling a screening.