Overview of Thoracic Cancers

Types:

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): The most common type (85% of cases), comprising adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.

Mesothelioma: A rare cancer linked to asbestos exposure, affecting the pleura.

Thymic Tumours: Rare tumors in the thymus gland.

Risk Factors: Primarily include smoking, secondhand smoke, radon exposure, and occupational exposure to asbestos.

Diagnosis: Involves imaging (CT, PET, MRI), bronchoscopy (camera inside airways), and biopsy.

Treatment Options for Thoracic Cancer

Modern treatment often requires a multidisciplinary team (surgeons, oncologists, pulmonologists) and is highly personalized based on the cancer type, stage, and genetic markers.

Surgery (MIS & Traditional):

Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery (MIS): Techniques like Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) or Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (RATS) are preferred for early-stage cases. They involve smaller incisions, leading to faster recovery, less pain, and fewer complications.

Traditional (Open) Surgery: Used for more complex or advanced cases, such as lobectomy (removing a lobe) or pneumonectomy (removing an entire lung).

Procedures: Include wedge resection, segmentectomy, and sleeve resection.

Radiation Therapy: Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT): Highly precise radiation used for inoperable, early-stage tumors.

Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): Advanced, targeted therapy that spares healthy tissue.

Chemotherapy: Often used in combination with surgery or radiation to kill cancer cells, especially for SCLC.

Targeted Therapy: Drugs that act on specific genetic mutations (e.g., EGFR, ALK, ROS1) found in NSCLC.

Immunotherapy: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., PD-1/PD-L1 blockers) help the body's immune system recognize and fight cancer.

Palliative Care: Focuses on improving quality of life by controlling symptoms in advanced or inoperable cases.

Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) Details

MIS, including VATS and RATS, has revolutionized the surgical treatment of thoracic cancer by offering:

Reduced recovery time and fewer complications.

Less blood loss and pain compared to open thoracotomy.

High precision, particularly with robotic systems