Thoracic Oncology

Thoracic oncology is the study and treatment of tumors that occur in the chest, such as in the lungs, esophagus, chest wall, diaphragm, and mediastinum. It is a specialized area of medical oncology and requires expertise in both surgical and non-surgical treatments of these diseases. Thoracic oncology is an important specialty, as it can affect all aspects of a patient's life, like breathlessness, pain, and general quality of life. It can also reduce long-term effects of disease on the lungs, esophagus, and other areas of the chest, like scarring or reduced function. Common treatments for thoracic oncology include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and cutting-edge techniques like immunotherapy. By utilizing these techniques, patients suffering from thoracic cancers can be treated with the goal of a long-term remission or cure.