Thoractomy - an operation that detects lung cancer

Sometimes an asbestos lung cancer tumor cannot be reached by bronchoscopy or needle procedures. In these cases, the only way to obtain a biopsy is by performing an operation. The chest is opened (thoracotomy), and as much of the tumor as possible is removed surgically.

A biopsy is taken from the removed tumor. Unfortunately, this operation may not be successful in removing all tumor cells if the tumor is large or has spread to the lymph nodes outside of the lungs. Thoracotomy is a major operation that is performed in a hospital.