Thoracic

Lung Cancer

What causes lung cancer?

Smoking, asbestos, radon, environmental hazards, diet, gender, other diseases, family history and air pollution have all been shown to increase the risk of lung cancer.

How is lung cancer treated?

Surgery is most often used in combination with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Surgical procedures are selected based on the size, type and location of the tumor. A surgeon, medical oncologist and radiation oncologist determine the treatment plan that is right for each individual.

Thoracic Surgery

Doctors specializing in thoracic surgery often use small scopes to visualize areas inside the chest and perform procedures for diagnostic and treatment purposes. Such procedures include bronchoscopy (scope of the bronchus), esophagoscopy (scope of the esophagus), mediastinoscopy (scope of the area behind the sternum) and thoracoscopy (scope of the thorax). In addition, the Exeter Hospital radiology department specializes in CT scan guided biopsies in order to confirm diagnoses.

Thoracic surgery is most often used in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, esophageal cancer and some lymphomas.

Meet our affiliated thoracic surgeons:

Roderick McKee, MD

Chris Roseberry, MD

Jay Swett, MD

Our pulmonologists are skilled in evaluating all lung diseases and sleep disorders. In addition, they perform diagnostic bronchoscopies and pre-operative evaluations prior to thoracic surgery.

Meet our affiliated pulmonologists:

Paul Deranian, MD

Elizabeth Lynch, MD

Additional resources:

Lung Cancer

Leukemia/Lymphoma Society

Can you tell the gender of my baby by the baby's heart rate?
No. Some say that the baby's heart rate is an indication of the gender, but we have found that it is not an accurate indicator.

How long will I be in labor and when will my baby arrive?
Unfortunately, there is no way of answering this question. Every woman's labor is different, and there are many different variables that affect the length, effectiveness and time of your labor and delivery.

Will the epidural slow down my labor?
Sometimes, labor can go slower after an epidural. Because you are inactive, in bed, and not able to walk, it may slow down your labor. However, with some individuals an epidural may actually allow for relaxation. This relaxation may result in the baby moving more quickly through the birth canal. It is important to remember that while the epidural will take most of the pain away, you will still feel pressure from the baby moving through the birth canal.

When can I get my epidural?
An epidural is anesthesia that is placed in your back. It numbs your body from the waist down, and relieves most of the pain of labor. Different providers have different thoughts about when the epidural can be done. Some providers require a patient progress to four centimeters before they get the epidural. Others will allow for it sooner in labor. We suggest that you discuss this subject with your provider.

How do I know when it is time to push?
When you are fully dilated and the baby is in position, your body will tell you that it is time to push. The urge to push is natural and you may find your body doing it with no direction from you what-so-ever. At this point, as long as your are fully dilated, your nurse will help you through this final stage of labor.

How do I push effectively?
Use your abdominal muscles, positioning chin to chest, and take a deep breath and push, while pulling your legs up to your chest. This is the most effective way to help your baby advance through the birth canal.

Will the pain get worse as my labor progresses?
Yes. The pain of labor is something that can be controlled with relaxation techniques, medication, or by means of an epidural. You may also choose to practice Hypnobirthing, which is taught in a class prior to delivery. Any of these options are available in the Family Center to make your labor as comfortable as possible.

When will my milk come in?
The average length of time it takes for breast milk to come in is 3-5 days. This varies from one individual to another. If you have any questions, please feel free to call one of our Lactation Consultants at (603) 580-4324.