Thoracic Cancer Treatment Options in the East Valley

Our Comprehensive Cancer Clinics offer all-in-one cancer care conveniently located in both Chandler and Gilbert near Chandler Regional Medical Center and Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. Newly diagnosed cancer patients and their families and/or care-givers no longer need to manage various appointments, record keeping and communication between providers. Our Nurse Navigator provides personalized attention helping to guide each patient through their own personal journey. 

The Thoracic Cancer Program at Dignity Health Comprehensive Cancer Clinics in Chandler and Gilbert include the diagnosis and treatment of malignant and high-risk diseases of the lungs, esophagus, trachea, chest wall, pleura and thymus. Treatment plans include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, as well as symptom management and survivor services. 

• Lung Cancer
• Esophagus Cancer
• Pleural Cancer
• Thymus Cancer

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer occurs in one of two forms - non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. The types are based on the way the cells look under a microscope, according to the National Cancer Institute. Non-small cell lung cancer is far more common than small cell lung cancer.

Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer. About 85 percent of lung cancers are non-small cell lung cancers. Squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and largecell carcinoma are all subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer.

Small cell lung cancer is also called oat cell cancer. About 10 to 15 percent of lung cancers are small cell lung cancers. This type of lung cancer tends to spread quickly, according to the American Cancer Society.

Though symptoms may not appear until lung cancer is in a late stage, these are some of the signs that may be present earlier:

• a cough that doesn’t go away or gets worse over time
• difficulty breathing
• difficulty swallowing
• chest discomfort or pain
• wheezing
• swelling in the face and/or veins in the neck
• blood in sputum coughed up from the lungs
• hoarseness
• loss of appetite
• weight loss for no apparent reason
• feeling very tired

Lung cancer is the second-most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S. among men and women, according to the American Cancer Society. Though smoking rates are down in this country, lung cancer continues to occur in significant numbers: more than 221,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with the disease this year.

Lung Cancer Screening - The lung cancer screening program at Dignity Health Norton Thoracic Institute offers those with a high risk of lung cancer the opportunity to screen for and diagnose lung cancer before symptoms develop. Learn more about the Lung Cancer Screening Program at Norton Thoracic Institute by calling (602) 406-4000.

Take a FREE Online Lung Cancer Risk Assessment - This online tool provides a personalized, strictly confidential information that will help you:

• Identify your lung cancer risk factors
• Learn if lung cancer screening is recommended for you 

For information about survival rates for this cancer, visit seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/lungb.html.

For more information about lung cancer, cancer.gov/types/lung.

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Esophagus Cancer

The esophagus is a muscular tube that moves food and liquids from the throat to the stomach. Smoking and heavy alcohol use increase the risk of what’s known as esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Gastroesophageal reflux disease and what’s known as Barrett esophagus may increase the risk of what’s called esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Esophageal cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage because there are no early signs or symptoms.

For more information about esophageal cancer, visit this page from the National Cancer Institute: cancer.gov/types/esophageal.

Nearly 17,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with esophageal cancer this year. For information about survival rates for esophageal cancer, visit seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/esoph.html.

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Pleural Cancer

Pleural cancer is more commonly known as mesothelioma. The disease develops in the pleura, the soft tissue that surrounds the lungs. In almost all cases, pleural mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure.

For more information about mesothelioma, visit this page from the National Cancer Institute: http://www.cancer.gov/types/mesothelioma.

About 3,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with mesothelioma this year, according to the American Cancer Society. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include a lingering cough and shortness of breath.

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Thymus Cancer

Thymus cancer, which is uncommon, starts in the small gland located just behind the breast bone in the front the chest. The thymus, part of the lymph system, sits just in front of and above the heart in the space between the lungs that contains the esophagus, part of the trachea, and lymph nodes. The thymus gland makes white blood cells that protect the body against infections.

For more information about thymus gland cancer, visit this page developed by the National Cancer Institute: cancer.gov/types/thymoma/patient/thymoma-treatment-pdq.

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Questions to ask your oncologist

• What is my diagnosis and prognosis?
• What is your experience in treating the cancer I have?
• How will you determine the best treatment for me?
• How long does each treatment option typically last, both individually and as a series of treatments?
• How will you know if the treatment is making progress?

For more information about various types of cancer, cancer staging and treatment options, click on this link from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN): NCCN Guidelines for Patients® - nccn.org/patients/default.aspx.

For more information about scheduling an appointment at Dignity Health Comprehensive Cancer Clinics in Chandler and Gilbert, please call (602) 406-4000.