Types of Thoracic Conditions

We treat a wide range of thoracic conditions, including:

  • Lung cancer, which is the uncontrolled growth of cancerous cells in one or both lungs.

  • Esophageal cancer, or uncontrolled growth of cancerous cells in the esophagus, the tube that carries food to your stomach.

  • Noncancerous (benign) lung tumors, or abnormal tissue growth in one or both lungs that is not cancerous.

  • Noncancerous (benign) esophageal tumors are abnormal growths that are cancerous in the esophagus, the tube that carries food to your stomach.

  • Cancerous and noncancerous chest wall tumors, or abnormal cell growth in the chest cavity that houses the heart and lungs.

  • Hyperhidrosis, which is excessive sweating that occurs in the hands, armpits and feet.

  • Thoracic outlet syndrome, which is a compression of blood vessels or nerves in the area between your collarbone and ribs.

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is a group of progressive, irreversible lung diseases that makes breathing difficult.

  • Emphysema, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that damages the air sacs in your lungs.

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic digestive disease that causes stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, the tube that carries food to your stomach.

  • Barrett’s esophagus, which is damage to the lining of the esophagus, the tube that carries food to your stomach, caused by stomach acid or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

  • Achalasia, or nerve damage to the esophagus that makes it hard for the esophagus to move food into your stomach.

Diagnosing Thoracic Conditions

In addition to a physical exam and evaluation of symptoms, our specialists use the latest technology to quickly and accurately diagnose disorders of the lungs, chest, esophagus and diaphragm.

Our diagnostic tests include:

  • Upper gastrointestinal (GI) series: During this X-ray procedure, also called a barium swallow or esophagogram, you swallow a dye called barium that reveals abnormalities in the digestive tract.

  • Chest X-rays: These images can reveal tumors in your lung, chest wall and other areas.

  • Computed tomography (CT) scan: This X-ray procedure reveals tumors in the lungs or surrounding organs.

  • Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS): Your doctor inserts a tiny camera, called a thoracoscope, into a small incision in your chest. Using the images from the camera as a guide, he or she then inserts surgical instruments through a second small incision to remove tissue samples for biopsy and to view your lungs.

  • Endoscopy: Your doctor inserts an endoscope — a long, thin tube with a tiny camera on the end — through your mouth and into your lungs. The endoscope allows your doctor to view and examine the linings of your esophagus and stomach. He or she may also take tissue samples to biopsy.

  • Bronchoscopy: Your doctor inserts a long, thin, lighted tube called a bronchoscope into your mouth or nose to examine your airways and lungs. Your doctor also may take tissue samples to biopsy.

Thoracic Surgery

Depending on your health problem, your doctor may recommend surgery. The thoracic surgery team at Blessing Heart & Vascular Center is highly skilled at performing a wide array of surgeries. Learn more about thoracic surgery at Blessing.

Contact Us

To learn more, please call 217-223-8400 ext. 8960. To view upcoming heart related events please click here.