Thoracic Cancer

Thoracic cancers encompass malignancies that develop in the organs and structures located within the chest cavity. These include the lungs, esophagus, mediastinum, and pleura, as well as structures like the trachea and thymus gland. Given the thorax’s central role in respiration and circulation, these cancers can significantly affect breathing, heart function, and overall vitality. Early diagnosis and specialized care are critical for effective management and improved patient outcomes. At the Cancer Clinic, we offer integrated, multidisciplinary care for thoracic cancers using the latest in diagnostic imaging, minimally invasive surgeries, and advanced therapeutic options tailored to each patient.

Parts of the Thoracic Region Affected by Cancer


Thyroid cancer is primarily categorized into four different types: Differentiated Undifferentiated Medullary Rare (Squamous, lymphomas, metastatic tumor from esophagus, stomach, lungs and breast. Differentiated is further classified into Papillary, Follicular or Mixed
1. Lung Cancer

The most common thoracic malignancy, often linked to smoking, environmental pollutants, or genetic predisposition. It includes non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Symptoms:

  • Persistent cough or hoarseness

  • Coughing up blood

  • Shortness of breath or wheezing

  • Chest pain

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Frequent respiratory infections
Esophageal cancer starts in the esophagus, the muscular tube that     connects the throat to the stomach. It typically develops in the lining of the esophagus and can spread to surrounding tissues and organs. Risk factors include smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, chronic acid reflux (GERD), and conditions like Barrett’s esophagus. Symptoms:
  • Difficulty or pain while swallowing
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Chest or back pain
  • Hoarseness or persistent hiccups
  • Regurgitation of food
Cancer affecting the pleura—the protective lining of the lungs—commonly associated with asbestos exposure. Symptoms:
  • Chest pain
  • Persistent dry cough
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Swelling in the face or arms (in advanced stages)
A rare cancer arising from the thymus gland located in the upper chest, often discovered incidentally. Symptoms:
  • Persistent cough
  • Chest pain
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Swelling in the face, neck, or upper limbs
  • Muscle weakness (linked to myasthenia gravis)

Cancers that develop in the mediastinum, the central compartment of the chest. They may be benign or malignant and originate from lymphatic, nervous, or glandular tissues.

Symptoms:

  • Chest pressure or pain

  • Shortness of breath

  • Coughing up blood

  • Fever or night sweats

  • Hoarseness or trouble swallowing

Diagnosis Methods

Our thoracic oncology unit employs precise diagnostic technologies for accurate assessment and staging:
  • Physical Examination & History: Evaluating symptoms and risk factors.
  • Chest X-rays and CT Scans: Essential first steps in identifying abnormalities.
  • PET-CT Scans: Assess metabolic activity and spread of cancer.
  • MRI: For evaluating tumor involvement in nerves and spinal structures.
  • Bronchoscopy & Endoscopic Ultrasound: Direct visualization and tissue sampling.
  • Biopsy (CT-guided or surgical): Confirming cancer type and aggressiveness.
  • Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs): Assess lung capacity before treatment.

Treatments and Outlook

Treatment is highly individualized based on the cancer type, location, and stage. Our offerings include:
  • Surgical Oncology: Minimally invasive and robotic surgeries for tumor removal.
  • Radiation Therapy: Targeted therapy to shrink or destroy cancer cells.
  • Chemotherapy: Systemic treatment to address spread beyond the chest. (Neoadjuvant / Adjuvant.)
  • Targeted Therapies: Drugs that attack specific cancer mutations (e.g., EGFR, ALK).
  • Immunotherapy: Enhancing the body’s own immune response to fight cancer. Targetted treatments and immunotherapy based on comprehensive gene profiling is the standard of care of modern times.
We complement medical treatment with supportive therapies:
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation
  • Nutritional guidance
  • Psycho-oncology and counseling
  • Palliative care for advanced-stage support

Early Diagnosis and Prevention

Thoracic cancers, especially lung cancer, are more treatable when caught early.
 Preventive Measures Include:

  • Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke exposure

  • Reducing occupational and environmental exposure to asbestos and radon

  • Healthy diet and regular exercise. Since Lung cancer not tobacco related is becoming a very common entity especially females. Women with chronic cough also should be investigated for lung cancer. 

  • Annual low-dose CT screening for high-risk individuals

  • Timely management of acid reflux (GERD) to reduce esophageal cancer risk