Thoracic (Lung) Cancer

Thoracic cancers involve tumors of the chest wall, esophagus, lungs, mediastinum and trachea. The most common of these cancers is lung cancer.

Evaluation and management of thoracic cancers can be involved. Thus, treatment often encompasses intensive, multi-modality therapies. 

At WakeMed Hematology & Medical Oncology, we work with our patients to build the most suitable, effective treatment plan. Using our team approach, we coordinate with our multidisciplinary specialists in thoracic surgery and interventional pulmonology and beyond to provide a range of supportive services, so our patients receive the highest quality, most compassionate care.

Diagnostics for Thoracic Cancers

Tests

• Blood (Liquid) Biopsy 
• Bronchoscopy
• Electromagnetic Navigational Bronchoscopy
• Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)
• Minimally Invasive Biopsy
• Needle Biopsy
• Sputum Cytology
• Thoracentesis
• Tunneled Pleural Catheter (PleurX)

Imaging

• Bone Scan
• Chest X-ray
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan

Types of Thoracic Cancers

• Lung Cancer
• Lung Nodules
• Mediastinal Cancer
• Mesothelioma
• Metastatic Tumors to the Lungs
• Neuroendocrine (NET) Tumor
• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
• Pleural Cancer including Pleural Metastases
• Pulmonary Carcinoid
• Respiratory System Cancers
• Small Cell Lung Cancer
• Thymoma/Thymic Malignancies
• Tracheal Cancer
• Tumors of the Chest Wall
• Other Thoracic Malignancies

Treatments of Thoracic Cancers

A combination of these treatments may be used to treat thoracic cancers.

• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted Therapy
• Radiation
• Surgery, including removal of cancers or stenting of airways or esophagus