Thoracic Cancer Treatments

Treatment timelines vary depending on your diagnosis. Some surgical procedures are done on an outpatient basis. More complex cases may require a hospital stay.

Medical oncology and radiation treatments typically involve multiple treatment sessions over a period of days or weeks. Treatment timelines vary depending on the type and stage of your cancer. Your care team reviews your treatment plan with you, as well as any options that may impact length, frequency and duration of treatment.

Following active treatment, you will see your physician periodically to monitor any signs of recurrence. 

It’s natural to feel nervous about surgery, but your care team will talk you through the process, helping you prepare for surgery and answering all your questions well in advance. 

As part of your personalized care plan, we offer advanced surgical options tailored to your diagnosis and goals, including minimally invasive procedures, when possible, along with reconstruction if needed. After surgery, we provide detailed recovery instructions and make sure that you have all the ongoing support you need to help you heal with confidence. 

Chemotherapy is typically given through an IV in cycles over several weeks or months. It can be used prior to surgery to shrink tumors or following surgery to reduce the risk of your cancer returning. At the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute, your care is led by a medical oncologist and supported by a dedicated team - including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and nurses who coordinate your care and help manage any side effects. You'll have regularly scheduled visits, and if you need help between appointments, same-day support is available.

Radiation treatments are typically delivered over several sessions to target cancer cells while protecting healthy tissue. Your radiation oncologist will schedule a planning session to map specific treatment areas using imaging scans. Throughout your care, your team monitors your progress, manages side effects, and provides resources and support to ensure you feel comfortable and informed. 

Cancer often requires a combination of approaches to achieve the best outcome, so it’s likely your care plan could include more than one type of treatment. 

Surgery alone might be enough for early-stage cancer that hasn’t spread, but additional treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or biological therapy may be needed to target cancer cells throughout the body, reduce the risk of recurrence, or improve overall effectiveness. 

Our cancer experts tailor treatment to your specific diagnosis, working to achieve the highest likelihood of success. 

Yes, treatment may differ depending on the type of lung cancer you have. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is more common and often grows slowly, so your treatment plan might start with surgery. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is less common and tends to spread more quickly, so chemotherapy and radiation are usually recommended first. Your care team will explain your options and tailor your treatment to your cancer type, overall health, and personal needs.

Some cancer treatments, including certain types of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, can affect fertility. These effects may be temporary, but in some cases, they can be long-lasting or permanent, depending on the type and location of treatment.

If you're concerned about fertility, our team will guide you through options, discuss the potential impacts of your specific treatment plan, and connect you with fertility preservation resources to help you make informed decisions about the future.

Patients have access to hundreds of clinical trials involving most cancer types. We are often among the first in the U.S. to provide access to Phase 1 trials — the first stage of evaluating treatments in humans. Please note, we open new trials often. Check with your clinician for the latest in upcoming trials.

Learn more and find out if a clinical trial could become part of your treatment plan.