A thoracic expert (or thoracic surgeon) is a doctor who specialises in thoracic conditions which are treated surgically and medically. Their focus lies in the organs, tissues, and bony structures found in the chest cavity. This includes the lungs, oesophagus, and the trachea, among other things. Some of the more common conditions treated by thoracic surgical experts are related to lung cancer, collapsed lungs and rib fractures. Uncommonly, they also deal with conditions like thymomas, sweaty palms and oesophageal cancers.
Thoracic experts treat any diseases or injuries to the structures inside the chest, including the following:
In general, thoracic experts specialise in surgical interventions and treatment methods for conditions affecting these parts of the body.
Thoracic surgeons in Singapore first undergo a combined training period along with cardiac surgery (heart surgery) in a cardiothoracic surgical training programme. In the latter years of their training, they move on to specialise exclusively in thoracic surgery to perform the more complex and niche areas in the field of thoracic surgery.
Dr Aneez D.B. Ahmed has been a practitioner in the field of thoracic surgery, with a special interest in thoracic oncology and minimally invasive thoracic surgery and robotic surgery, for over 15 years. He is also a pioneer in chest wall resection and reconstruction, performing the world’s first 3D printed polymer ribcage reconstruction.
Thoracic surgeons are able to treat a number of disorders, such as:
During your first consultation with a thoracic surgeon, you will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. Based on your history your doctor will likely order the relevant diagnostic imaging tests which will usually include PET CT scans and MRIs.
They will also order a lung function test to assess the state of your lung health, and depending on the available results, the decision will be made in consultation with the patient regarding further surgeries if necessary.
A visit to the thoracic surgical expert is usually done on referral from your GP, cardiologist, pulmonalogist (respiratory physician), oncologist or other relevant specialities. But direct contact with a thoracic surgical expert can be initiated for screening for lung cancer or lung health, and also for evaluation of other lung conditions. However, if you have been diagnosed with any of the conditions listed above but have not received a referral, please do not hesitate to book a consultation with us so that we can work on early treatment.