This medical specialty focuses on diseases of the lungs, trachea, esophagus, diaphragm, chest wall, and central chest cavity (mediastinum). Patients may be referred to a thoracic surgeon for treatment of the following:
- Chest wall deformity
- Esophageal cancer
- Excess fluid in and around the lungs (pleural effusions)
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- Heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux disease/GERD)
- Hiatal hernia
- Lung cancer
- Lung masses and nodules
- Swallowing problems
- Tumors in the central chest cavity (mediastinal tumors)
√ What You Need to Know: Pre-Procedure Testing, Before Your Surgery, and Day of Surgery