Thoracic Surgery
The thoracic surgeons at Baystate Health specialize in treating conditions in your lungs, esophagus, trachea, and chest wall.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a collapsed lung (pneumothorax), myasthenia gravis, lung tumors, COPD, or another issue in your chest, you can rely on our team of surgeons for professional, comprehensive care.
A Team Approach To Surgery In Western Massachusetts
Baystate’s thoracic surgeons often collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of doctors, including heart surgeons, endocrinologists, pathologists, pulmonologists, and gastroenterologists.
Using the latest video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), robot-assisted surgery, and ultrasound technology, our team prioritizes your safety and healing.
We focus on what’s right for you and will support you throughout the process of preparing for, undergoing, and recovering from surgery. Baystate even provides a Pulmonary Rehabilitation program for patients who have had lung transplants or thoracic surgery.
Conditions We Treat With Thoracic Surgery
Chest surgeons treat a variety of lung (pulmonary), heart (cardiovascular), and upper digestive problems.
We use minimally invasive thoracic surgery for:
- Lung and airway disorders
- Lung biopsies
- Lung cancer
- Myasthenia gravis
- Empyema treatment
- Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
- Malignant pleural effusions
- Pneumothorax
- Benign esophageal and mediastinal tumors
State-Of-The-Art Treatment Options Closer To Home
Compared to general surgeons, Baystate’s thoracic surgeons are specially trained to operate in the chest. We offer:
- Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)—a minimally invasive procedure that allows your surgeon to perform procedures through a small incision with the help of a video camera
- Robot-assisted thoracic surgery—a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows for smaller incisions, precise treatment, and typically faster healing
- Minimally invasive esophagectomy—a way to remove tumors in your esophagus using small incisions
- Minimally invasive thoracic sympathectomy—also called a thoracoscopic sympathectomy, this is a way to treat primary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) with few incisions
Frequently Asked Questions
I am 18 and like to smoke with my friends. My parents freak. What's the big deal?
Dr. Rose Ganim says:
More than 90% of adults who smoke started before they were 21. Around 30% of 9th graders are already smoking, and they keep on doing it. Few manage to quit. Among adults, almost 25% are smokers. Most kids smoke because they think it's cool and makes them look older. And it works! Smoking breaks down firm parts of your skin, the elastin, and gives you wrinkles making you look older than you are.
More than 90% of adults who smoke started before they were 21. Around 30% of 9th graders are already smoking, and they keep on doing it. Few manage to quit. Among adults, almost 25% are smokers. Most kids smoke because they think it's cool and makes them look older. And it works! Smoking breaks down firm parts of your skin, the elastin, and gives you wrinkles making you look older than you are.
I was carrying our TV and suddenly felt chest pain and like there was crackles in my neck. In the ER they said there was air around my heart but not to worry. What happened?
Dr. Rose Ganim says:
Occasionally, if a person strains really hard, like when lifting something heavy, they can burst a little bubble in their lung and it can track to the middle of their chest and show up as air around their heart. It can also track up in the skin of the neck and face and more, and feel like Rice Krispies brand cereal under the skin. Usually, there is chest pain. You should definitely go to the ER if this happens to you, because sometimes it needs urgent treatment.
Occasionally, if a person strains really hard, like when lifting something heavy, they can burst a little bubble in their lung and it can track to the middle of their chest and show up as air around their heart. It can also track up in the skin of the neck and face and more, and feel like Rice Krispies brand cereal under the skin. Usually, there is chest pain. You should definitely go to the ER if this happens to you, because sometimes it needs urgent treatment.
What types of lung cancer are there?
Dr. Rose Ganim says:
The first distinction is
- Primary lung cancer (started in the lung)
- Cancer metastatic to the lung (started somewhere else, then spread to the lung)
There are several types of primary lung cancer, but they are all essentially treated the same way:
- Surgery if possible
- Radiation and/or chemotherapy if necessary.
Several cancers that spread to the lung also may be treated successfully with surgery.
I am an ex-smoker and I am concerned about getting lung cancer. Is there a way to screen to catch it early?
Dr. Gary Hochheiser says:
Lung Cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the US. Yet, unlike most other cancers, such as Breast cancer and Colon cancer, there are no recommendations at this time for screening.
A number of studies have been performed using Cat Scans, chest X-rays and certain breathing and blood tests, but none have been reliable in detecting cancer and only cancer.
Cat scan has been the most promising, as it can reliably find small cancers, however, it also finds many other things that can mimic cancer.
The answer to this screening question has not been found, but if you are currently, or were a smoker and have a family history of lung cancer and are above the age of 55, it would be reasonable to have a discussion with your doctor about the possibility of a screening test.
Lung Cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the US. Yet, unlike most other cancers, such as Breast cancer and Colon cancer, there are no recommendations at this time for screening.
A number of studies have been performed using Cat Scans, chest X-rays and certain breathing and blood tests, but none have been reliable in detecting cancer and only cancer.
Cat scan has been the most promising, as it can reliably find small cancers, however, it also finds many other things that can mimic cancer.
The answer to this screening question has not been found, but if you are currently, or were a smoker and have a family history of lung cancer and are above the age of 55, it would be reasonable to have a discussion with your doctor about the possibility of a screening test.
I had an X-ray and was told I have a pulmonary nodule. What does this mean?
Dr. Gary Hochheiser says:
A "nodule" is a lesion in the lung, generally less than 3 centimeters. Nodules in the lung are not uncommon, and most are not cancer. However, this is the major question that needs to be answered. A Cat Scan would be the first step in the evaluation. The size and shape of the nodule as well as risk factors for cancer, all go into the evaluation.
A "nodule" is a lesion in the lung, generally less than 3 centimeters. Nodules in the lung are not uncommon, and most are not cancer. However, this is the major question that needs to be answered. A Cat Scan would be the first step in the evaluation. The size and shape of the nodule as well as risk factors for cancer, all go into the evaluation.
What is Hyperhidrosis and is there a surgical option for treatment?
Dr. Gary Hochheiser says:
Simply put, hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating. It is due to an increased output of the sympathetic nervous system which controls the secretion of sweat. It usually is very focal occurring in the face, underarms and most commonly the palms of the hands. Most patients experience sweating that causes water to drip off their hands. This can be socially and professionally embarrassing.
There are medical treatments including topical agents, iontophoresis and even Botox injections, however these tend to be temporary.
There is a surgical procedure with a minimally invasive technique that can control the symptoms permanently.
Simply put, hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating. It is due to an increased output of the sympathetic nervous system which controls the secretion of sweat. It usually is very focal occurring in the face, underarms and most commonly the palms of the hands. Most patients experience sweating that causes water to drip off their hands. This can be socially and professionally embarrassing.
There are medical treatments including topical agents, iontophoresis and even Botox injections, however these tend to be temporary.
There is a surgical procedure with a minimally invasive technique that can control the symptoms permanently.
My husband's doctor said that his bladder cancer is due in part to smoking. I thought smoking only caused lung cancer. What's the story?
Dr. Rose Ganim says:
The smoke inhaled from cigarettes contains many chemicals that are absorbed into the blood and are toxic to the body. Several cancers are associated with smoking, and these include: lung, mouth, laryngeal (voice box), esophagus, stomach, pancreas, kidney, bladder, cervix, and leukemia. Besides cancer, smoking is associated with heart attacks, strokes, poor circulation leading to amputations, asthma, emphysema, poor healing, wrinkles, yellow teeth, and more!
The smoke inhaled from cigarettes contains many chemicals that are absorbed into the blood and are toxic to the body. Several cancers are associated with smoking, and these include: lung, mouth, laryngeal (voice box), esophagus, stomach, pancreas, kidney, bladder, cervix, and leukemia. Besides cancer, smoking is associated with heart attacks, strokes, poor circulation leading to amputations, asthma, emphysema, poor healing, wrinkles, yellow teeth, and more!
I have been diagnosed with early stage lung cancer and surgery has been the recommended treatment. What are my options?
Dr. Gary Hochheiser says:
The standard treatment for early stage lung cancer continues to be surgical removal of the area of the lung that the tumor is in. There are multiple options for the type of procedure based on the location of the cancer and the fitness of the patient.
New minimally invasive techniques are now available to perform theses lung cancer resections in many instances. These techniques limit the pain and speed the recovery time as well as decrease the risks of the complications. The techniques are still relatively new, and you can ask your surgeon about their availability and whether you are a candidate.
The standard treatment for early stage lung cancer continues to be surgical removal of the area of the lung that the tumor is in. There are multiple options for the type of procedure based on the location of the cancer and the fitness of the patient.
New minimally invasive techniques are now available to perform theses lung cancer resections in many instances. These techniques limit the pain and speed the recovery time as well as decrease the risks of the complications. The techniques are still relatively new, and you can ask your surgeon about their availability and whether you are a candidate.
I keep hearing about cigarettes being bad for you. What about low-tar, cloves, marijuana, pipes, and cigars?
Dr. Rose Ganim says:
They are all bad. For example, it has long been believed that smoking a joint a day is no big deal because it is only one, and may even prevent cancer. The opposite is true! One joint a day seems to carry the same health risks as a whole pack of cigarettes. Pipes and cigars have risks that are nearly equivalent to cigarettes.
They are all bad. For example, it has long been believed that smoking a joint a day is no big deal because it is only one, and may even prevent cancer. The opposite is true! One joint a day seems to carry the same health risks as a whole pack of cigarettes. Pipes and cigars have risks that are nearly equivalent to cigarettes.
After many years of reflux I have been found by my gastroenterologist to have esophageal cancer. What evaluation and treatments are available?
Dr. Gary Hochheiser says:
Esophageal cancer is the fastest growing type of cancer in the US. There is a correlation with reflux although most people with reflux will not get cancer.
Once diagnosed, a full evaluation to determine the Stage of the cancer by either a Thoracic surgeon or Medical oncologist should be performed. This usually includes certain radiologic studies, such as Cat Scan and PET scans to be performed as well as certain endoscopic procedures.
The treatment possibilities include Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy and Surgery or a combination of these. The type of treatment depending on the evaluation of the stage and the fitness of the patient. A multidisciplinary cancer team is usually the best to evaluate what treatment options are best for an individual patient.
Esophageal cancer is the fastest growing type of cancer in the US. There is a correlation with reflux although most people with reflux will not get cancer.
Once diagnosed, a full evaluation to determine the Stage of the cancer by either a Thoracic surgeon or Medical oncologist should be performed. This usually includes certain radiologic studies, such as Cat Scan and PET scans to be performed as well as certain endoscopic procedures.
The treatment possibilities include Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy and Surgery or a combination of these. The type of treatment depending on the evaluation of the stage and the fitness of the patient. A multidisciplinary cancer team is usually the best to evaluate what treatment options are best for an individual patient.
Is smoking really all that bad for you?
Dr. Rose Ganim says:
Yes! Smoking is our #1 killer and is responsible for 20% of all deaths in the United States each year. These are deaths due to heart attacks, strokes, emphysema, lung cancer and more. 90% of lung cancers occur in smokers. Lung cancer kills more men and women each year than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.
Yes! Smoking is our #1 killer and is responsible for 20% of all deaths in the United States each year. These are deaths due to heart attacks, strokes, emphysema, lung cancer and more. 90% of lung cancers occur in smokers. Lung cancer kills more men and women each year than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.
I was just diagnosed with Lung Cancer, what should I do now?
Dr. Gary Hochheiser says:
With a new diagnosis of lung cancer, a thorough evaluation must be done to determine how advanced the disease is. This is called "staging" and usually involves a number of mostly non-invasive tests. Evaluation by a multiple disciplinary team, with physicians from all areas of lung cancer treatment is ideal to determine the best course of treatment which may involve surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or combinations of these treatments.
With a new diagnosis of lung cancer, a thorough evaluation must be done to determine how advanced the disease is. This is called "staging" and usually involves a number of mostly non-invasive tests. Evaluation by a multiple disciplinary team, with physicians from all areas of lung cancer treatment is ideal to determine the best course of treatment which may involve surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or combinations of these treatments.
Your Health Record, the Way You Want it
With MyBaystate, you can easily manage your health record and schedule appointments, message your providers, and refill prescriptions.
Back to Top