Consulting a thoracic surgeon is usually on referral from one the specialty doctors above or the patient’s family medicine doctor. A second opinion on these problems can also be provided.  Thoracic Surgery may be necessary in the management of:
• Lung cancer
• Lung nodule(s)
• Lung metastases from other cancers
• Chronic lung infection
• Bronchiectasis
• COPD / Emphysema
• Bullous emphysema
• Pneumothorax or airleak or collapsed lung
• Mesothelioma
• Pleural effusion
• Empyema (pyothorax)
• Chest wall injury – broken ribs or sternum
• Chest wall deformity – Pectus excavatum or carinatum
• Chest wall tumours e.g. sarcoma, plasmacytoma
• Diaphragmatic hernia
• Mediastinal masses / tumours
• Myasthenia Gravis
• Thymoma
• Schwannoma in the chest
• Retrosternal thyroid goitre
• Tracheal tumour
• Palmar hyperhidrosis and Raynaud’s disease
• Oesophageal cancer

Urgent Investigations
If patients suffer from chest symptoms such as:
• Cough for more than three weeks
• Coughing blood
• Shortness of breath
• Recurrent chest pain
then an urgent appointment to identify the particular chest problem is recommended. We can arrange further investigation of chest symptoms including investigation or screening packages through the Family Medicine Service, with appropriate onward referral for further treatment to the most relevant specialty when required.

Consultation with a Thoracic Surgeon – What Happens?
During your consultation, the Thoracic Surgeon will review your medical history and go over the symptoms you may be experiencing. You should expect:
• To undergo a physical examination
• Tests including chest x-ray or other scans if required
• A discussion of the possible problems (diagnosis)
• Once diagnosis is confirmed, the risks presented by your condition
• A discussion of the recommended treatment options
• For Surgery, the risks involved, hospital stay, preparation, what to expect

Recovery after treatment
Each patient will be given individual advice regarding:
• Return to normal daily activities
• Return to work, in particular to their type of work
• Effects of surgery on travel, including air travel
• Need for further treatment, in particular for cancer
• Follow-up arrangements with thoracic surgery