Thoracic surgery focuses on diseases of the thorax (chest), including lung disease and other conditions.
Stands for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, the most common type of lung cancer.
A scale used to determine the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread from the original site to other parts of the body.
Any of the small, bean-shaped organs located throughout the lymphatic system. The lymph nodes contain the immune system cells lymphocytes, which can trap cancer cells or bacteria that are traveling through the body.
An incision to open one side of your chest (thorax).
A lung segmentectomy is the removal of a portion of the lung. This operation is usually performed for early stage lung cancer or for patients who may not be healthy enough for a lobectomy.
This is an inpatient procedure. You will have a series of tests to determine whether the cancer cells have spread within the lungs or to other parts of the body. While you are under general anesthesia, the surgeon removes a small section of the lung (including the tumor and layers of tissue that line the air passages) through an incision made between the ribs in your chest. Lymph nodes may also be taken out during the operation. The length of your hospital stay will depend on the extent of the tissue removed, and you will be restricted from lifting as well as other strenuous activities for a few days.