Kinds of Thoracic Surgery

Thoracic surgeons perform many procedures each year. While techniques vary with each procedure, most surgeons try to use minimally invasive techniques when possible.

Identification

• Thoracic surgery is performed on the area of the body containing the lungs, heart, trachea, esophagus and the diaphragm.

Esophageal Cancer

• Esophageal cancer is a disease in which malignant tumors grow in the tissues of the esophagus. The two most common forms of esophagus cancers are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. These tumors are removed during surgery. The age and health of the patient and stage of the cancer, all contribute to the success of this surgery.

Soft Tissue Sarcoma

• Adult soft tissue sarcoma is another disease that may require thoracic surgery. This is a disease in which malignant tumors form in the body. These tumors can form anywhere, but are most common in the trunk, legs, arms and abdomen. The factors that affect recovery are the type of sarcoma, the stage the tumor is in and the age of the patient.

Mesotheliom

• Mesothelioma is a disease that may require thoracic surgery. This is a disease that causes cancer-forming cells in the lining of the chest or abdomen. The most common cause of mesolthelioma comes from being exposed to asbestos, or living with a person who works with asbestos. The stage of the tumor, size of the tumor, the amount of fluid in the chest or abdomen and the age of the patient, all are contributing factors to recovery from this type of surgery.

Considerations

• When looking for a thoracic surgeon, it is important to find a doctor that you are comfortable with, is board certified and has experience in invasive and minimally invasive thoracic surgery.