If you have been diagnosed with a chest or lung condition, Providence’s trusted experts can help.

Call 503-215-2300 to schedule an appointment or request information.

Providence Cancer Institute Franz Thoracic Surgery

Our board-certified cardiothoracic surgeons, thoracic surgical oncologists and physician assistants have the expertise to treat non-cancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) thoracic conditions.

7757.9 miles away
503-215-2300
971-282-0025
Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Providence Cancer Institute Franz Thoracic Surgery

Our board-certified cardiothoracic surgeons, thoracic surgical oncologists and physician assistants have the expertise to treat non-cancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) thoracic conditions.

7757.9 miles away
Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Whether you have been diagnosed with lung cancer, thymoma or a chest mass, we are here to help. We also treat patients who may have symptoms or pain from a chest condition, such as thoracic outlet syndrome, a diaphragm disorder, thymic disorder or myasthenia gravis.

Our surgeons participate in weekly treatment planning meetings where patients' conditions and treatment options are discussed. We use a team approach from specialists in pulmonology, radiology, pathology, surgery, medical oncology and radiation oncology.

We take great care in finding and treating chest and lung conditions and prioritizing your recovery. We use minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as robotic surgery and Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) when possible. These surgical techniques typically reduce pain and improve recovery time while causing fewer complications.

Our team has expertise in all aspects of thoracic surgery. We partner with our medical and radiation oncology teams to provide complete surgical care for lung cancers and other tumors in the chest. We also have expertise in benign (non-cancerous) thoracic conditions such as myasthenia gravis, Thoracic Outlet Disease, chest wall conditions and trauma and more.

Non-cancerous (benign) chest conditions
  • Diaphragm disorders
  • Diaphragm paralysis
  • Lung abscess
  • Lung infections
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Pectus excavatum
  • Pleural effusion
  • Pneumothorax
  • Rib and sternal fractures
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome
  • Thoracic schwannomas
  • Tracheal stenosis
Cancerous (malignant) conditions
  • Chest masses
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Lung masses
  • Lymphoma diagnosis
  • Mesothelioma
  • Pleural tumor
  • Thymoma
Other
  • Chest wall deformities
  • Hyperhidrosis
  • Lung nodules
  • Mediastinal masses
  • Pulmonary emphysema

We are leaders in cancer research and treatment and will work with you to determine treatment options with the best outcomes.

Lung resection is the surgical removal of the diseased portion of a lung or the entire diseased lung. It is the preferred treatment for people with early-stage lung cancer. Surgery can be performed with minimally invasive techniques, such as thoracoscopy or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), robotic surgery, or open incision (thoracotomy).

VATS is a minimally invasive procedure that allows surgeons to make smaller incisions and avoid spreading the ribs as required in traditional open surgery. Doctors use a tiny video camera (called a thorascope) through one of the incisions to view the lung on a screen and precisely maneuver surgical instruments. Patients who are treated with VATS often have shorter hospital stays and a quicker recovery.

Compared to traditional surgery, the benefits of minimally invasive surgery are many and include:

  • Shorter hospital stays
  • Higher precision with assisted visualization
  • Less pain post operation
  • Quicker return to home, work and normal activities
  • Smaller doses of pain relievers than patients undergoing traditional surgeries
  • Smaller, less noticeable scars
  • Reduced chance of complications or infections

For patients with lung cancer, surgery may be just one part of your treatment plan. You will receive care from our Thoracic Oncology Program, which may include additional treatments and support services, such as:

Learn more about the Thoracic Oncology program

When you first hear the words “it’s cancer,” the road ahead may seem overwhelming. But from that moment on, Providence Cancer Institute surrounds you with people to help you through the journey. Treating your cancer is not only about treating the disease; it is also about supporting you as a whole person – body, mind and spirit. Here are some of our key support services to help you get through your treatment and emerge as healthy as possible.

Expert care services
  • Oncology nurse navigators work directly with your oncologists, surgeons, and care team to help you better understand and follow your treatment plans. The compassionate guidance of nurse navigators has been shown to improve treatment outcomes for patients.
    Learn more about nurse navigators.
  • Oncology social workers are trained counselors who help patients and families cope with the emotional stresses and practical concerns associated with cancer. Providence cancer patients and their families can benefit from our social work services.
    Learn more about what an oncology social worker can do for you.
  • Oncology nutrition. Cancer and cancer treatments can affect the way your body tolerates certain foods and uses nutrients. Our registered dietitians specialize in cancer nutrition and are here to help.
    Learn more about oncology nutrition.
  • Integrative medicine offers an excellent complement to conventional medicine to help patients achieve optimal health. Programs and services include acupuncture, chiropractic medicine, naturopathy, therapeutic massage and more.
    Learn more about integrative medicine.
  • Palliative care is a type of health care that focuses on improving your physical, emotional and spiritual health while you receive cancer treatment giving special attention to relieving pain and other distressing symptoms.
    Learn more about palliative care.
  • Cancer rehabilitation combines evidence-based cancer rehabilitation practices with services to address side effects and symptoms. The result is our patients recover their energy, well-being and quality of life more completely and quickly.
    Learn more about cancer rehabilitation.
Support services

In addition to providing expert cancer care, Providence Cancer Institute provides an extra dimension of care through our many support services and cancer resources.

  • Support groups provide education and support for cancer patients and their loved ones. Support groups are led by our professional staff and are offered as a free service to any person with cancer in our community.
  • Peer support is offered by trained volunteers who provide one-on-one peer support for patients with cancer and/or their caregivers. It is an opportunity to talk about your fears or concerns with someone who comes from a place of understanding your journey.
    Learn more about support groups and peer support.
  • The Living Well Guide is designed to provide our patients with one reference for all contact numbers, support services and self-care information.
  • The Living Well Through Cancer Treatment and Beyond Video Series will give you information, support and hope. Each video features patients who share their stories and experiences with helpful advice from cancer care experts.
    Learn more about Living Well Guide & video series.
  • Both the Living Well Guide and the video series are available in several languages.
Additional resources
  • Childcare
  • Financial resources
  • Guest housing
  • Lending libraries
  • Rehabilitation services
  • Transportation resources
  • Wellness classes
  • Screening and prevention

Learn More About Support Services & Resources

Why Choose Us for Your Cancer Care?

We know that every patient is unique. No two patients – or their treatment plans – are alike. This is why we take a highly personalized approach to cancer care, and we always put our patients first. Our cancer specialists are at the forefront of innovative, state-of-the-art technologies and treatment options.  We partner with you to develop specialized treatment plans that fit your needs and provide the best outcomes. At Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon, some of our advanced treatments include:

You will have access to unsurpassed support at every stage of your treatment, adding an extra dimension of care to help fight cancer. Our oncology nurse navigators, social workers, dietitians and spiritual care providers help guide you through treatment and promote health on every level — body, mind and spirit. As an added layer of support, our Oncology Resource Specialists provide free, personalized assistance to patients, families and care partners. These caregivers will help you navigate and use the many resources available throughout the community and through Providence.

Learn more about our cancer support services.

Cancer doesn’t discriminate, but access to great cancer care hasn’t always been the same for everyone. At Providence, we are deeply committed to making sure every patient we treat has access to the best cancer care. We value, respect and support the racial, ethnic, religious, gender, sexual and spiritual identities of each member of our diverse community, and we never turn a patient away. Instead, we work to make sure every patient is treated equally and with dignity – whoever you are, and wherever you are in your journey.

When you become a patient at Providence, you become part of a collaborative cancer-care network. Our care often exceeds national measures for patient outcomes. We have award-winning doctors, scientists, researchers and caregivers across 51 hospitals in seven states. The skills of your local team and the power of this network add up to the best, most compassionate care. And if you need to meet with a specialist outside your area, we have telehealth technology to help. Our network and superior care are among the reasons 6,000 newly diagnosed cancer patients choose Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon each year.

Through our pioneering research, we have helped make cancer immunotherapy a new standard of care. Our globally renowned team of physician researchers and scientists at Earle A. Chiles Research Institute offers hope to patients and families.

Meet the Team

At Providence, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.

Recognition

U.S. News & World Report - High Performing Hospital in Lung Cancer Surgery (2024-25)

THE POWER OF OUR NETWORK

Part of Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon

Providence Cancer Institute is a leading provider of cancer care in Oregon, and part of the largest community-based cancer-care network in the United States. Regardless of where you go for care, you have an entire team of cancer experts working together to provide a personalized, whole-person approach to your care. At Providence we see more than a cancer diagnosis, we see the life in you and are committed to helping you live well again.

Learn More About the Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon

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