Lung Cancer, Esophageal Cancer and Mesothelioma
Patients with cancer of the chest region (thorax) often require complex therapeutic approaches that combine surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and, in many cases, novel therapies and procedures. The Thoracic Oncology Program at University of Minnesota Medical Center applies its comprehensive, multidisciplinary team approach to caring for more than 1,000 of these patients each year.

Our surgeons' primary focus is minimally invasive pulmonary and esophageal surgery, with the full range of thoracoscopic and diagnostic procedures available. For patients with early stage lung and esophageal cancer, minimally invasive procedures can be performed instead of traditional open surgery, often resulting in faster recovery times and reduced pain and scarring.

Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is very common and is becoming more so, especially among women. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer in the U.S. Worldwide, its incidence is increasing at a rate of half a percent a year, a very fast growth rate for a disease. Lung cancer has a tendency to spread, or metastasize, very early in the course of the disease. As such, it is a very life-threatening form of cancer and one of the most difficult to treat.
Learn more about lung cancer

Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer occurs in about 11,000 Americans per year. This accounts for less than one percent of all cancers. However, the incidence of esophageal cancer is increasing. Cancer can develop in any part of the esophagus. It can spread to surrounding lymph nodes, the windpipe, the large blood vessels in the chest, and other nearby organs. Treatment for esophageal cancer depends on a number of factors, including its exact location, size, extent, and type of cancer cells. It's also important to consider age and general health to develop a treatment plan to fit each patient's needs.
Learn more about esophageal cancer

Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma is an uncommon form of cancer that can occur in several areas of the body, but most commonly in the chest. The name is derived from the fact that this cancer originates in body tissue known as the "mesothelium," a specialized layer of cells that line and protect many internal organs, primarily within the chest and abdominal cavities. Occurrence of mesothelioma is closely linked to environmental or occupation exposure to asbestos. Difficult to diagnose, mesothelioma is frequently discovered after many years of growth.
Learn more about mesothelioma