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.
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.
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.
- 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
- Chest masses
- Esophageal cancer
- Lung cancer
- Lung masses
- Lymphoma diagnosis
- Mesothelioma
- Pleural tumor
- Thymoma
- 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:
- Genetic counseling and testing
- Access to innovative treatments and research at the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute
- The latest clinical trial offerings
- The newest and most advanced methods of radiation therapy
- Personalized Cancer Medicine at Providence using your DNA and gene sequencing
- Systemic therapies, including chemotherapies, targeted therapies, hormonal therapies and immunotherapies, that can be used together or separately. Providence has been developing new immunotherapy treatments for more than 25 years.
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.
- 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.
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.
- Childcare
- Financial resources
- Guest housing
- Lending libraries
- Rehabilitation services
- Transportation resources
- Wellness classes
- Screening and prevention
Why Choose Us for Your Cancer Care?
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)
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.