Thoracic Cancer Treatment Services
Specialized care for lung and esophageal cancer, tracheal tumors, thymoma, mesothelioma, mediastinal tumors and other chest wall tumors.

Lung Cancer
Lung cancer forms in tissues of the lung, usually in the cells lining air passages. The two main types are small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.  According to the National Cancer Institute, common signs and symptoms of lung cancer include:

• A cough that doesn't go away and gets worse over time
• Constant chest pain
• Coughing up blood
• Shortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness
• Repeated problems with pneumonia or bronchitis
• Swelling of the neck and face
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Fatigue

These symptoms may be caused by lung cancer or by other conditions. It is important to be evaluated by a doctor.

For more information:
Lung cancer: Causes and Symptoms
What You Need To Know About™ Lung Cancer

Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer forms in tissues lining the esophagus (the muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach). Two types of esophageal cancer are squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that begins in flat cells lining the esophagus) and adenocarcinoma (cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids).  According to the National Cancer Institute, early esophageal cancer usually does not cause symptoms. As the cancer grows, symptoms may include:

• Difficult or painful swallowing
• Severe weight loss
• Pain in the throat or back, behind the breastbone or between the shoulder blades
• Hoarseness or chronic cough
• Vomiting
• Coughing up blood

For more information:
When Heartburn Means Trouble
What You Need To Know About™ Cancer of the Esophagus

Thymoma
A thymoma is a tumor of the thymus, an organ that is part of the lymphatic system and is located in the chest, behind the breastbone.  According to the National Cancer Institute, sometimes thymoma and thymic carcinoma do not cause symptoms. The cancer may be found during a routine chest x-ray. Symptoms may include:

• A cough that doesn't go away.
• Chest pain.
• Trouble breathing.

These symptoms may also be caused by other conditions. It is important to be evaluated by a doctor.

For more information:
General Information about Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma

Thoracic Cancer Treatment at Providence Regional Cancer Centers
Supported by state-of-the-art technologies and a highly skilled support staff, the specialists of Providence Regional Cancer Centers collaborate to provide the most advanced, comprehensive approach to cancer treatment available in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys.  Our patients benefit from a host of programs and services, including—

Advanced Technology

• Chemotherapy 
• Computer-Assisted Microscopic and Endoscopic Neurological Surgery 
• Computer-Assisted Stereotactic Radiosurgery 
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Infusion Therapy
• Minimally Invasive Surgery 
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 
• Radiation Therapy
• Robot-Assisted Surgery
• Tumor Board for Coordination of Multidisciplinary Care

Comprehensive, Compassionate Support Services

• Dietary Counseling
• Home Care
• Hospice and Palliative Care
• Integrative Medicine (complementary and alternative cancer treatment)
• Lymphedema Program 
• Personal Appearance Rehabilitation Service
• Rehabilitation  
• Education, Outreach and Support

Quality Outcomes: Providence Regional Cancer Centers Annual Report

Schedule an Appointment
For a referral to a board-certified, Providence-affiliated physician, please contact our Health Resource Center at 1-888-HEALING (1-888-432-5464).  Or you can find a cancer treatment specialist by searching our online physician directory.

Clinical Trials
Learn about cancer clinical trials.  Search our online database.