What Is a Thoracic Surgeon?

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Thoracic surgeons – who are often grouped with cardiac or heart, specialists for cardiothoracic surgery — operate on the heart, lungs, esophagus, and major blood vessels inside the chest, as well as the bony structures and tissues that form and support the chest cavity.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing one person every 36 seconds. Experts estimate that someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds. Lung cancer is the third most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death for men and women. These numbers highlight the importance of cardiac care and thoracic surgery.  

What Does a Thoracic Surgeon Do?

Thoracic surgeons specialize in dealing with diseases or injuries to the structures inside your chest, including your: 

Thoracic surgeons oversee related operations, managing treatment plans before, during, and after the procedure. They often build strong relationships with patients and their families, especially in emergencies like heart attacks. 

What Conditions Does a Thoracic Surgeon Treat?

Thoracic surgeons treat a variety of disorders, such as: 

Thoracic surgeons mainly treat lung cancer, lung disease, and diseases in the esophagus and chest wall. Cardiothoracic surgeons, by contrast, operate on more conditions in organs in the chest and the chest cavity.  

Education and Training

A thoracic surgery certification requires years of education and training, including: 

Residency options vary, and doctors then choose a thoracic surgery subspecialty, such as: 

The length of a surgeon’s residency depends on the medical school and residency program. Specialty training may last 6 to 8 years before a thoracic surgeon gets their certification. 

Reasons to See a Thoracic Surgeon

In most cases, your primary care doctor will refer you to a thoracic surgeon if you have an illness or condition that requires chest surgery. You may notice symptoms like:

Severe chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations can all be signs of a heart attack. If these symptoms come on suddenly, call 911.

What to Expect at the Thoracic Surgeon

You’ll start with a consultation where your surgeon reviews your medical records and medical history. You can expect:

It’s normal to be stressed over the idea of surgery. But your surgeon is trained to work with you and guide you and your loved ones through the process. 

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**What Is a Thoracic ‌Surgeon?**



**Introduction**

A‍ thoracic surgeon is a highly skilled medical professional‌ specializing in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of conditions affecting the chest cavity and its contents. They possess extensive ⁤knowledge and expertise in the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory,⁣ cardiovascular, and esophageal systems.



**Role and Responsibilities**

Thoracic surgeons perform a wide range of surgical procedures, including:



* **Lung Surgery:** Resection (removal) of ​lung tissue, including cancerous tumors ⁤(lobectomy, pneumonectomy)

* **Mediastinal Surgery:** Excision of masses and tumors in the mediastinum, the area between ‍the lungs

* **Esophageal ⁤Surgery:** Esophagectomy⁤ (removal of⁣ the esophagus) for cancer​ or ⁤other ⁣conditions

* ⁤**Tracheal ​Surgery:** Treatment⁤ of airway obstruction or narrowing

* **Pleural Surgery:** Management of pleural effusions (fluid buildup) and other pleural disorders

* **Chest‌ Wall Surgery:** Repair of chest wall defects ‍such as hernias or deformities



**Education and​ Training**

To become a thoracic⁤ surgeon, individuals must complete the‌ following steps:



* Obtain an‍ undergraduate degree in ⁤a relevant field ‍(e.g., pre-medicine, biology)

* Attend medical school and earn a ⁤Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or‌ Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree

* Complete a residency program in thoracic surgery (typically 5-6 years)

* Obtain ⁤board certification by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS)



**Key Skills and Qualifications**

Thoracic‌ surgeons require a comprehensive⁣ range of skills and qualifications, including:



* **Surgical Dexterity:**​ Precise and delicate surgical technique

* **Anatomical ⁢Knowledge:** Thorough understanding of the respiratory, cardiovascular, and esophageal‌ systems

* **Diagnostic Expertise:** Ability to accurately ‌diagnose chest conditions

* **Critical Thinking:** Ability to make quick and informed decisions during surgery

* **Communication ‍Skills:** Effectively communicate with patients, families, and colleagues

* **Compassion and Empathy:** Understanding and support for patients facing complex medical challenges



**Subspecialties**

Within thoracic surgery, subspecialties exist, including:



* **Cardiothoracic Surgery:** Focuses ​on surgical‍ treatment ⁤of ⁢the heart and large blood vessels

* **Pulmonary Surgery:** Specializes in lung⁣ disease and surgical procedures involving ‍the lungs

* **Esophageal​ Surgery:** Employs surgical techniques ⁢to treat ‌disorders‌ of the esophagus

* **Minimally Invasive Thoracic ⁤Surgery:** Uses minimally invasive techniques to perform surgical procedures with⁣ reduced trauma



**Conclusion**

Thoracic surgeons play ‌a ‍vital role in the care and treatment of‍ individuals with chest conditions. Their specialized knowledge, ⁣surgical expertise, and compassionate approach enable them to provide patients with optimal ⁢surgical outcomes and improve their quality of life.