A focused approach to a cure for thoracic cancers
Thoracic cancers make up a large group of diseases that affect the chest. While some of these cancers are more common than others, all can be difficult to treat. Our advanced diagnostic and treatment options for thoracic cancer give patients the best chance for a successful outcome.
The Thoracic Oncology Program at Maimonides Cancer Center brings leading-edge screening, diagnostic, treatment, and psychosocial support services to patients with lung and other chest cancers, as well as malignant mesothelioma and lymphoma. We treat the whole patient, not just the disease.
Screening and diagnosis
Types of thoracic cancer can include:
- Lung cancer – This form of thoracic cancer is the most common, accounting for approximately 85% of cases.
- Mesothelioma – This cancer of the tissue that covers the lungs is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos.
- Bronchogenic carcinoma – This cancer can develop in any part of the trachea (windpipe) or bronchi (large breathing tubes).
- Thymic carcinoma – This cancer arises in the thymus, a small gland in the chest that is important in the development of the immune system.
- Lymphoma – This cancer of the lymphatic system can develop in the chest, although it is more common in other parts of the body.
Screening for thoracic cancers is important, as many of these diseases do not cause symptoms in their early stages.
The Thoracic Oncology Program offers a comprehensive range of screening services, including:
- Low-dose CT scans
- Bronchoscopy
- Endobronchial ultrasound guided biopsies (EBUS)
- Endobronchial ultrasound (EUS)
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Navigational bronchoscopy
Cutting-edge treatments for thoracic cancers
Maimonides assigns a multidisciplinary team of experts, including board-certified thoracic surgeons, radiation and medical oncologists, specially trained nurse practitioners, a social worker, a nutritionist, and a psychologist to create a personalized treatment plan for every patient. This may involve surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or any combination of these.
- Surgery – Lobectomy, pneumonectomy, sleeve-lobectomy, iVATS, robotic surgery, VATS lobectomy, segmentectomy, pleurodesis, and insertion of tunneled chest tubes can all be used for the treatment of lung cancer.
- Minimally invasive options – These can include video-assisted thoracic surgery, radiofrequency ablation, photodynamic therapy, and laser treatments, which use electrical energy or lasers to shrink or destroy tumors.
- Radiation – Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) can be used to target tumors while sparing healthy tissue.
- Chemotherapy – We offer the latest oral and intravenous chemotherapy drugs, as well as targeted therapies that are designed to specifically attack cancer cells.
- Airway stenting – Permanent or removable stents can be used to increase the size of airway narrowing and allow for adequate airflow.
Why Maimonides’ thoracic surgeons are among the best in the U.S.
Maimonides Cancer Center includes some of the region’s most distinguished experts in lung cancer, who are part of a nationally accredited and award-winning program that has received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer.
Maimonides’ treatment team is made up of multidisciplinary specialists who collaborate on personalized care plans based on each patient’s unique diagnosis. Patients see the same team of providers and other professionals during most appointments. They provide the guidance, support, and expertise necessary to support each individual’s quality of life so that they and their loved ones do not feel alone as they navigate this journey.
