The NJ Police Chief Magazine Volume 26, Number 1 | Page 19

The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | September 2019
Ask the Physician
I was a smoker for many years, but am proud to say I quit almost 2 years ago! However, I just had a
checkup, and was referred to a specialist where they found a tumor in my lung. The doctor told me they
caught it early, but I am terrified of lung surgery and don’t want to lose my whole lung. What are my
options?
Will W., Freehold, NJ
Will, first and foremost, congratulations on quitting smoking! That is the single best thing you can do at any stage of
your life to keep yourself healthy and moving forward.
As to your tumor, without having the specifics of your condition it is hard to say exactly what type of surgery you will
need. That being said, leading-edge institutions like Deborah frequently are able to do lung surgery with a minimally-
invasive technique called VATS, or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.
In a VATS procedure, a much smaller incision is made in your chest wall and a tiny camera which guides the surgeon
is inserted into your chest. With these tools, the procedure is much easier on the patient, and recovery is usually
quicker than a traditional open surgery.
This is a great surgical option that you should discuss with your physician. If you want a second opinion, the surgical
and pulmonary team at Deborah -- as well as the specialists in our Multi-Disciplinary Oncology Clinic -- will be happy
to speak with you. Simply call 855-646-3484 for an appointment.
Joseph Costic, MD
Attending, Thoracic Surgeon
Deborah Heart and Lung Center
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