When to See a Thoracic Surgeon

A thoracic surgeon is a doctor who performs operations on the heart, lungs, esophagus and other organs within the chest. A general thoracic surgeon treats diseases of the:

• Lungs
• Esophagus
• Chest wall
• Mediastinum

Your primary care physician or a physician specialist such as a cardiologist, pulmonologist or gastroenterologist may refer you to a thoracic surgeon if they feel that you would receive more effective treatment for a condition affecting the thoracic region.

Lung

• New or changing lung nodule
• Unexplained cough, shortness of breath or hoarseness
• Pleural effusion
• Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
• Interstitial lung disease

Esophagus

• Swallowing difficulty
• Barrett's esophagus
• Esophageal tumor or diverticulum
• GERD
• Paraesophageal hernia
• Achalasia

Complex Airway and Other

• Mediastinal tumor, adenopathy or cyst
• Chest wall tumor
• Central airway obstruction
• Diaphragmatic hernia, tumor, or paralysis
• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)

Contact

To make a referral, please contact our Physician Access Line at 800-638-3737, or request a first time appointment online.