Thoracic Oncology

Thoracic oncology focuses on diagnosing and treating cancers of the chest, primarily lung cancer (the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide), as well as mesothelioma, thymoma, and tracheal tumors. With advances in early detection, immunotherapy, and minimally invasive surgery, survival rates are improving for many patients.

Types of Thoracic Cancers

1. Lung Cancer
   • Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) (85% of cases)
   • Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) (Aggressive, linked to smoking)
2. Pleural Mesothelioma (Asbestos-related)
3. Thymoma & Thymic Carcinoma (Rare, in thymus gland)
4. Tracheal Tumors (Very rare)

Risk Factors & Prevention

Key Risks:

• Smoking (#1 cause of lung cancer)
• Radon/Asbestos exposure
• Air pollution & genetics

🔹 Prevention Tips:

• Quit smoking (Lowers risk over time)
• Radon home testing
• Low-dose CT scans for high-risk patients

Symptoms & Early Detection

Warning Signs:

• Persistent cough (especially with blood)
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain (worsens with deep breathing)
• Unexplained weight loss

Diagnosis & Staging

• Imaging: CT, PET-CT, MRI (for tumor spread)
• Biopsy: Bronchoscopy, needle biopsy, or surgical biopsy
• Molecular Testing: EGFR, ALK, PD-L1 (for targeted therapy)
• Staging: TNM system (Tumor size, Node involvement, Metastasis)

Treatment Options

1. Surgery

• Lobectomy (Removal of lung lobe)
• Minimally Invasive (VATS/Robotic) – Faster recovery

2. Radiation Therapy

• Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) – For early-stage tumors
• Proton Therapy – For precise targeting

3. Systemic Therapies

• Immunotherapy (Pembrolizumab/Nivolumab for PD-L1+ tumors)
• Targeted Therapy (Osimertinib for EGFR mutations)
• Chemotherapy (For SCLC & advanced NSCLC)

Breakthrough Advances

• Liquid Biopsies – Detect cancer DNA in blood
• Neoadjuvant Therapy – Shrinks tumors before surgery
• AI-Assisted Nodule Detection – Improves early diagnosis

Life After Thoracic Cancer

• Pulmonary rehab for breathing recovery
• Survivorship programs for monitoring recurrence
• Support groups for emotional health

Why Early Screening Matters

• Low-dose CT scans reduce lung cancer deaths by 20% in high-risk groups.
• 5-year survival for Stage I NSCLC: 60-80% (vs. <5% for Stage IV).