Patients are usually referred to a thoracic surgeon for diagnosis and treatment of a nodule or mass seen on chest x-ray. In some cases, the diagnosis may be made with a needle biopsy or via bronchoscopy while some patients will require a minimally invasive operation (video assisted thoracic surgery or VATS) to obtain adequate tissue for diagnosis. The treatment of lung cancer is determined by the cell type, the stage of the cancer, and the patient's overall medical condition. Surgical treatment, resection of a portion of the lung, is the primary treatment for early stage lung cancers. We offer minimally invasive resection for these patients whenever possible, using VATS lobectomy. VATS lobectomy is performed through three 1-inch incisions plus a 3-4 inch incision. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used prior to the lung resection for more advanced tumors that are still confined to the chest and these tumors generally require conventional open surgical techniques for resection. We are able to coordinate this treatment with the Center for Cancer Care at St. Joseph Hospital. Our patients also have access to clinical trials, if appropriate, through the Center for Cancer Care.
Other procedures involving the lungs include biopsy for benign diseases, drainage of fluid around the lungs, and treatment of collapsed lung. These are predominately done using minimally invasive techniques (VATS).