Thoracic surgical oncology deals with tumours of the lung, the chest wall, the pleura and the mediastinum. For early lung cancer, surgery offers the best chance of cure. Careful preparation checks that the patient's lung function can support the removal of lung tissue.

Evaluation includes CT or PET-CT, biopsy, breathing tests and heart assessment. Surgery may be done through a small incision with a camera (VATS), a form of minimally invasive surgery in Mumbai that spares the chest muscles and often shortens recovery, or through a larger opening, depending on tumour size and position. Lymph nodes in the chest are sampled or removed to determine the stage.

Stopping smoking before surgery lowers complications. After the operation, breathing exercises and physiotherapy help the remaining lung expand.

Thoracic surgical oncology services at Apex include:

• Lobectomy and Segmental Resection: Removal of the lobe or a smaller segment of lung containing a tumour, while preserving as much healthy lung as possible.
• Pneumonectomy: Removal of an entire lung when the tumour's position requires it and the patient's remaining lung function is adequate for daily life.
• Chest Wall and Pleural Tumour Surgery: Removal of tumours in the chest wall or lining of the lung, with reconstruction if a section of the chest wall is removed.
• Pre- and Post-Operative Lung Rehabilitation: Breathing exercises, incentive spirometry and early mobilisation that reduce chest infection and speed recovery.