Lung Cancer Treatment

If a diagnosis of lung cancer is suspected or confirmed, your doctor can outline your treatment. These options depend mainly upon the location of the cancer in your lung and the extent, or stage, of the cancer.

The stage of a cancerous lung mass is based on the size of the cancer and how far it has spread. In early stages, cancer may be confined to one small area of the lung. In later stages, it may spread within the lungs or through the lymph nodes to other parts of the body.

Once the stage has been determined, the best treatment method can be chosen. You and your doctor can decide on a treatment plan that best fits your needs. Three methods are available to treat lung cancer. One method or a combination of methods may be used.

• Surgery removes part or all of a lung to eliminate the cancer.
• Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy uses a combination of drugs to destroy cancer cells.

Adult Thoracic Surgery

Surgeons from the Division of Thoracic Surgery are committed to the diagnosis and care of patients with diseases of the chest. In the area of General Thoracic Surgery, we offer expertise in the treatment of locally advanced lung cancer including tumors that invade the chest wall or mediastinum. Patients with these complex disorders are evaluated and staged completely, and in conjunction with medical and radiation oncologists a determination about the optimal method of treatment is made with the patient and family.

Our experience with Lung Volume Reduction is carried over to the treatment of patients with lung cancer and advanced emphysema. A broad experience with airway problems provides the background for expertise with tumors and strictures of the trachea and major bronchi, as well as lung-sparing cancer resections called "sleeve resections". In these operations, lung and airway tumors are removed along with the surrounding lymph glands while the lung tissue itself is preserved.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
The esophagus is the tube that carries the food from the mouth to the stomach. It is separated from the stomach by a muscular sphincter that keeps the acidic contents of the stomach from coming in contact with the lining of the esophagus. "Gastro" refers to the stomach. Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease is a condition in which normal mechanisms for keeping the acidic contents of the stomach from coming into contact with the esophageal lining fail, thereby allowing the stomach contents to backwash or "reflux" into the esophagus. The symptoms are those of "heartburn" and can lead to scarring of the lining of the esophagus that can, over time, block the transit of food into the stomach. The scarring can also, in some cases, eventually become cancerous.  See movie

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
See movie - coming soon

Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery (VATS)
Our surgeons strongly believe in the value of minimally invasive surgery, and thoracoscopic and laparoscopic approaches are utilized for diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux, achalasia, hyperhidrosis, cysts and tumors of the mediastinum, myasthenia gravis, and pleural and pulmonary disorders.   VATS.  Movie.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
See movie - coming soon

Surgery for Myesthenia Gravis
See movie - coming soon

Esophageal Surgery
Our surgeons specialize in the evaluation and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, and the complications of reflux, including Barrett's esophagus. When treating patients with esophageal cancer, our goal is to not only remove the cancer and maximize the likelihood of cure, but also to restore the patient's ability to enjoy the irreplaceable social pleasure of sharing a meal with friends and family.  Minimally Invasive (movie)  vs open esophogectomy  (clip to be provided later)

Pain Management
Routine use of epidural catheters and a full-time pain management service contribute to the dramatic relief of post-operative discomfort, and state-of-the art facilities, along with dedicated around-the-clock care contribute to some of the best surgical results in the country.

Follow-Up Care
After discharge, nurse clinicians continue the careful follow-up started in the hospital and help ease the transition from being an in-patient to going home. Lastly, in order for our patients to feel comfortable after they are discharged, members of the surgical team are available 24-hours a day to discuss your concerns, problems, or for new referral by calling (516) 470-7520.