Atelectasis: Atelectasis is a collapsed lung. It may have been caused by lung tissue compressing or
obstruction of the air passages (bronchi). Some causes include obesity, fluid around or in the lung,
foreign objects or tumors.
Bronchiectasis: A lung disease resulting from an infection or other condition which damages the
walls of the lung airways. These airways transport air in and out of the lungs.
Bronchoscopy: A procedure to view the airways of the lungs. The procedure is performed by
inserting a tube (with a tiny camera on the end) in the nose or mouth through to the lungs. Also, lung
secretions or tissue specimens for biopsy may be taken.
Chest Tube Insertion: A surgical procedure of inserting a hollow flexible tube into the chest. The tube
is used to drain excess blood, fluid or air.
Chest Wall Biopsy: A surgical procedure which removes tissue (a biopsy) from an area of the chest
wall for diagnostic purposes.
Chest Wall Resection/Reconstruction: A surgical procedure to help the physical stability and shape
of the chest wall. This is usually needed when masses or tumors invade the chest wall. Sometimes
surgical removal of ribs and/or muscular areas near the ribs may need to be removed. The type of
surgical procedure is dependent upon the location and depth of resection needed. Some type of
reconstructive surgery may be necessary after a chest wall resection.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A group of lung diseases that cause limited
airflow due to swelling of the airways. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most common
forms of COPD. Smoking is a primary cause of COPD.
CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: CT scans are special x-rays which provide cross-sectional
images of the body. These images allow the radiologist and medical doctor to look inside of the body
and focus on a particular area of the chest and/or abdomen.
Diabetes (Type 1): Bodies that produce little to no insulin may develop this type of diabetes. The cells
throughout the body need insulin (i.e., glucose) for energy. The affect is that "blood" glucose then
rises. This can also damage the pancreas. Insulin injections are needed to control blood glucose.
www.MedicineNet.com
Diabetes (Type 2): Although the body may (or may not) produce insulin, it does not know how to use ir
properly. The diagnosis for Type 2 diabetes is higher than Type 2. www.MedicineNet.com
Diffuse Interstitial Lung Diseases: Diseases caused by inflammation and scarring of the lung
tissues leading to restrictive air flow (shortness of breath).
Emphysema Surgery: Refer to "Lung Volume Reduction Surgery" below.
Empyema: Refer to Pulmonary Infections (Empyema) below.
Esophageal Cancer: The esophagus is the muscle that transports food from the mouth to the
stomach. Thus, esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor of the esophagus. There are primarily two
types of esophageal cancer (1) Squamous cancer - caused by smoking and alcohol consumption,
and (2) Adenocarcinoma cancer - caused by obesity, poor diet and smoking.
Esophageal Cancer Surgery: When the cancer is isolated to the esophagus then surgery can be
performed to remove the tumor or cancerous cells. In some cases chemotherapy and/or radiation
may be necessary.
Esophageal Resection: A surgical procedure to repair congenital defects of the airway
(tracheoesophageal fistula) and/or the digestive tract (esophageal atresia).
Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer Surgery: A cancer where the stomach meets the esophagus.
Often there are no symptoms early in the disease which can delay diagnosis. When symptoms do
occur they manifest as less serious gastrointestinal disorders such as bloating, gas and/or a sense
of fullness. Some risk factors include: a family history of gastric cancer, Helicobacter pylori, a history
of chronic gastritis or adenomatous gastric polyps and decreased gastric acid.
Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Perspiration): A condition wherein the body perspires more than is
needed to regulate the body temperature. Hyperhidrosis may be caused by an overactive
sympathetic nervous system.
Interstitial Lung Disease: Diffuse Interstitial Lung Disease
Lobectomy: Removal of a lobe within a lung when the lobe is cancerous or a lesion is identified.
Lung Cancer: Lung cancer is very common and is a leading cause of death in men and women in
the United States. Cigarette smoking has been proven to cause most lung cancers.
Lung Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): RFA is an alternative procedure that eliminates lung tumors by
using radiofrequency energy (e.g., heat). It is a much less invasive procedure than open surgery.
Lung Resection: A surgical procedure to remove a portion of lung or the whole lung. Surgery is often
necessary when lungs are diseased or damaged by infections, tumors, cancer, bronchiectasis,
emphysema or a collapsed lung.
Lung Surgery: Lung surgery is a surgical procedure involving the lungs. Surgery may be needed to
biopsy lung cells (for diagnosis), to remove a portion of the lung (for tumors or infections), or for lung
transplants.
Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS): A surgical procedure to help people with severely
disabling emphysema. The surgery involves removing the most severely diseased portions of the
lung (20%-30%). LVRS allows the remaining tissue and surrounding muscles to work more
efficiently. LVRS can make breathing easier and improve the patient's quality of life.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A radiology technique that uses magnetism, radio waves, and
a computer to produce images of body organs and structures. www.MedicineNet.com
Metastatic Lung Tumor: These are malignant tumors (cancerous) in the lungs that developed
elsewhere in the body and then spread to the lungs via the blood stream. Common tumors that can
spread to the lungs include breast, colon, prostate and bladder.
Mediastinal Tumors: These are tumors that develop in the cavity between the lungs. This is the same
cavity that contains the heart, large blood vessels, trachea and thymus.
Mediastinoscopy: A surgical procedure wherein the mediastinoscope instrument is inserted through
very small incisions. It provides a view of the chest cavity and is useful for examining the airways or
masses or tumors. It also allows surgeons to remove lymph nodes and to test them for cancer or
infection.
Myasthenia Gravisis: A condition wherein the body's immune system creates antibodies to block the
transmission of nerve signals to the muscles. Nerve signals, if properly functioning, instruct the
muscle to contract. This condition may be treated with medicines to improve nerve signaling,
strengthen muscles and/or reduce the production of abnormal antibodies. Sometimes surgery to
remove the thymus gland helps.
Needle Biopsy: Inserting a biopsy needle through a small incision to obtain a piece of the abnormal
tissue or tumor for testing and diagnosis.
Pectus Excavatum Repair: A surgical procedure to correct a deformity of the chest wall when the
breastbone (sternum) and ribs are depressed.
Pericarditis: A condition wherein the membrane (thin sac) that surrounds the heart becomes
swollen and irritated. Pericarditis can cause chest pain and other symptoms such as shortness of
breath, low-grade fever, weakness, fatigue, sick feeling, dry cough, and abdominal or leg swelling.
The condition may be mild, acute and/or chronic. Cases may be mild and improve over time or severe
and require medications or surgery.
Pleural Effusion: A medical condition wherein excess fluid accumulates between the layers of the
pleura. The pleura is a thin membrane residing outside of the lung and the inside of the chest cavity.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan: An imaging diagnostic procedure that allows a
surgeon to view how the organs and tissues inside the body are functioning. The difference between
the PET scan and other types (e.g., CT, MRI) is that the PET scan shows the metabolic changes in
organs or tissues at the cellular level. A PET scan is used to measure such functions as blood flow,
oxygen use, and glucose metabolism.
Pneumothorax: A collection of air or gas in the space around the lungs. It may be caused by chest
trauma (such as an automobile accident), excessive pressure or an underlying disease. Treatment
involves removing the air and allowing the lung to expand.
Pulmonary Function Tests: A broad range of tests to assess lung functioning such as how well
lungs utilize air and how efficiently they transfer oxygen into the blood. These tests are useful in
diagnosing certain types of lung disorders and obstructive lung diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD).
Pulmonary Infections (Empyema): A collection of fluid or pus in the lung cavity caused by an infection
that spreads from the lung. The fluid can accumulate and put excessive pressure on the lungs
causing shortness of breath and even pain. This condition may result from pneumonia, lung
abscess, lung surgery and chest trauma or injury.
Radiofrequency Ablation: RFA is an alternative procedure that eliminates lung tumors by using
radiofrequency energy (e.g., heat). It is a much less invasive procedure than open surgery.
Restrictive Lung Diseases: A disease that restricts the amount of air a person can inhale. Restrictive
lung diseases may result from inflammation or scarring of lung tissue. It can also be caused by
abnormalities of the muscles or chest wall.
Sympathectomy: A surgical procedure to treat excessive sweating in the hands and underarms.
It involves cutting and sealing (cauterizing) a part of the sympathetic nerve that runs parallel to the
spine. This procedure interrupts the nerve signal which causes excessive sweating.
Thoracentesis: A surgical procedure to remove excess fluid between the chest wall and the lining of
the outside of the lungs (pleura).
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome:
Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy: Refer to Sympathectomy above
Thorascopy: A surgical procedure to examine the chest area and lungs.
Thymectomy: The surgical procedure to remove the thymus gland. This procedure is sometimes
necessary for patients with myasthenia gravis and can result in remission of the condition.
Tracheal Stenting: Tracheal stents are tubes of various sizes, structures (solid or hollow), and
material (absorbable or non-absorbable) that are used to stabilize a trachea and prevent collapse.
Tuberculosis: A contagious bacterial infection that is spread through the air from person to person.
Developing the tuberculosis disease requires repeated exposure. Some symptoms include a cough
that will not go away, always feeling tired, weight loss, fever and night sweats.
Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS): A surgery using advanced technology (video
computers) to perform operations that formerly required large incisions. VATS allows the surgeon to
accomplish the same goals but with smaller incisions and less pain. VATS can be used to examine
the chest cavity and perform diagnostic procedures such as lung, diaphragmatic and pleural
biopsies. Some complex surgical procedures can also be performed such as lung resections.
Wedge Resection: A surgical procedure to remove a small section of lung tissue in the shape of
wedge.
obstruction of the air passages (bronchi). Some causes include obesity, fluid around or in the lung,
foreign objects or tumors.
Bronchiectasis: A lung disease resulting from an infection or other condition which damages the
walls of the lung airways. These airways transport air in and out of the lungs.
Bronchoscopy: A procedure to view the airways of the lungs. The procedure is performed by
inserting a tube (with a tiny camera on the end) in the nose or mouth through to the lungs. Also, lung
secretions or tissue specimens for biopsy may be taken.
Chest Tube Insertion: A surgical procedure of inserting a hollow flexible tube into the chest. The tube
is used to drain excess blood, fluid or air.
Chest Wall Biopsy: A surgical procedure which removes tissue (a biopsy) from an area of the chest
wall for diagnostic purposes.
Chest Wall Resection/Reconstruction: A surgical procedure to help the physical stability and shape
of the chest wall. This is usually needed when masses or tumors invade the chest wall. Sometimes
surgical removal of ribs and/or muscular areas near the ribs may need to be removed. The type of
surgical procedure is dependent upon the location and depth of resection needed. Some type of
reconstructive surgery may be necessary after a chest wall resection.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A group of lung diseases that cause limited
airflow due to swelling of the airways. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most common
forms of COPD. Smoking is a primary cause of COPD.
CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: CT scans are special x-rays which provide cross-sectional
images of the body. These images allow the radiologist and medical doctor to look inside of the body
and focus on a particular area of the chest and/or abdomen.
Diabetes (Type 1): Bodies that produce little to no insulin may develop this type of diabetes. The cells
throughout the body need insulin (i.e., glucose) for energy. The affect is that "blood" glucose then
rises. This can also damage the pancreas. Insulin injections are needed to control blood glucose.
www.MedicineNet.com
Diabetes (Type 2): Although the body may (or may not) produce insulin, it does not know how to use ir
properly. The diagnosis for Type 2 diabetes is higher than Type 2. www.MedicineNet.com
Diffuse Interstitial Lung Diseases: Diseases caused by inflammation and scarring of the lung
tissues leading to restrictive air flow (shortness of breath).
Emphysema Surgery: Refer to "Lung Volume Reduction Surgery" below.
Empyema: Refer to Pulmonary Infections (Empyema) below.
Esophageal Cancer: The esophagus is the muscle that transports food from the mouth to the
stomach. Thus, esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor of the esophagus. There are primarily two
types of esophageal cancer (1) Squamous cancer - caused by smoking and alcohol consumption,
and (2) Adenocarcinoma cancer - caused by obesity, poor diet and smoking.
Esophageal Cancer Surgery: When the cancer is isolated to the esophagus then surgery can be
performed to remove the tumor or cancerous cells. In some cases chemotherapy and/or radiation
may be necessary.
Esophageal Resection: A surgical procedure to repair congenital defects of the airway
(tracheoesophageal fistula) and/or the digestive tract (esophageal atresia).
Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer Surgery: A cancer where the stomach meets the esophagus.
Often there are no symptoms early in the disease which can delay diagnosis. When symptoms do
occur they manifest as less serious gastrointestinal disorders such as bloating, gas and/or a sense
of fullness. Some risk factors include: a family history of gastric cancer, Helicobacter pylori, a history
of chronic gastritis or adenomatous gastric polyps and decreased gastric acid.
Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Perspiration): A condition wherein the body perspires more than is
needed to regulate the body temperature. Hyperhidrosis may be caused by an overactive
sympathetic nervous system.
Interstitial Lung Disease: Diffuse Interstitial Lung Disease
Lobectomy: Removal of a lobe within a lung when the lobe is cancerous or a lesion is identified.
Lung Cancer: Lung cancer is very common and is a leading cause of death in men and women in
the United States. Cigarette smoking has been proven to cause most lung cancers.
Lung Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): RFA is an alternative procedure that eliminates lung tumors by
using radiofrequency energy (e.g., heat). It is a much less invasive procedure than open surgery.
Lung Resection: A surgical procedure to remove a portion of lung or the whole lung. Surgery is often
necessary when lungs are diseased or damaged by infections, tumors, cancer, bronchiectasis,
emphysema or a collapsed lung.
Lung Surgery: Lung surgery is a surgical procedure involving the lungs. Surgery may be needed to
biopsy lung cells (for diagnosis), to remove a portion of the lung (for tumors or infections), or for lung
transplants.
Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS): A surgical procedure to help people with severely
disabling emphysema. The surgery involves removing the most severely diseased portions of the
lung (20%-30%). LVRS allows the remaining tissue and surrounding muscles to work more
efficiently. LVRS can make breathing easier and improve the patient's quality of life.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A radiology technique that uses magnetism, radio waves, and
a computer to produce images of body organs and structures. www.MedicineNet.com
Metastatic Lung Tumor: These are malignant tumors (cancerous) in the lungs that developed
elsewhere in the body and then spread to the lungs via the blood stream. Common tumors that can
spread to the lungs include breast, colon, prostate and bladder.
Mediastinal Tumors: These are tumors that develop in the cavity between the lungs. This is the same
cavity that contains the heart, large blood vessels, trachea and thymus.
Mediastinoscopy: A surgical procedure wherein the mediastinoscope instrument is inserted through
very small incisions. It provides a view of the chest cavity and is useful for examining the airways or
masses or tumors. It also allows surgeons to remove lymph nodes and to test them for cancer or
infection.
Myasthenia Gravisis: A condition wherein the body's immune system creates antibodies to block the
transmission of nerve signals to the muscles. Nerve signals, if properly functioning, instruct the
muscle to contract. This condition may be treated with medicines to improve nerve signaling,
strengthen muscles and/or reduce the production of abnormal antibodies. Sometimes surgery to
remove the thymus gland helps.
Needle Biopsy: Inserting a biopsy needle through a small incision to obtain a piece of the abnormal
tissue or tumor for testing and diagnosis.
Pectus Excavatum Repair: A surgical procedure to correct a deformity of the chest wall when the
breastbone (sternum) and ribs are depressed.
Pericarditis: A condition wherein the membrane (thin sac) that surrounds the heart becomes
swollen and irritated. Pericarditis can cause chest pain and other symptoms such as shortness of
breath, low-grade fever, weakness, fatigue, sick feeling, dry cough, and abdominal or leg swelling.
The condition may be mild, acute and/or chronic. Cases may be mild and improve over time or severe
and require medications or surgery.
Pleural Effusion: A medical condition wherein excess fluid accumulates between the layers of the
pleura. The pleura is a thin membrane residing outside of the lung and the inside of the chest cavity.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan: An imaging diagnostic procedure that allows a
surgeon to view how the organs and tissues inside the body are functioning. The difference between
the PET scan and other types (e.g., CT, MRI) is that the PET scan shows the metabolic changes in
organs or tissues at the cellular level. A PET scan is used to measure such functions as blood flow,
oxygen use, and glucose metabolism.
Pneumothorax: A collection of air or gas in the space around the lungs. It may be caused by chest
trauma (such as an automobile accident), excessive pressure or an underlying disease. Treatment
involves removing the air and allowing the lung to expand.
Pulmonary Function Tests: A broad range of tests to assess lung functioning such as how well
lungs utilize air and how efficiently they transfer oxygen into the blood. These tests are useful in
diagnosing certain types of lung disorders and obstructive lung diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD).
Pulmonary Infections (Empyema): A collection of fluid or pus in the lung cavity caused by an infection
that spreads from the lung. The fluid can accumulate and put excessive pressure on the lungs
causing shortness of breath and even pain. This condition may result from pneumonia, lung
abscess, lung surgery and chest trauma or injury.
Radiofrequency Ablation: RFA is an alternative procedure that eliminates lung tumors by using
radiofrequency energy (e.g., heat). It is a much less invasive procedure than open surgery.
Restrictive Lung Diseases: A disease that restricts the amount of air a person can inhale. Restrictive
lung diseases may result from inflammation or scarring of lung tissue. It can also be caused by
abnormalities of the muscles or chest wall.
Sympathectomy: A surgical procedure to treat excessive sweating in the hands and underarms.
It involves cutting and sealing (cauterizing) a part of the sympathetic nerve that runs parallel to the
spine. This procedure interrupts the nerve signal which causes excessive sweating.
Thoracentesis: A surgical procedure to remove excess fluid between the chest wall and the lining of
the outside of the lungs (pleura).
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome:
Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy: Refer to Sympathectomy above
Thorascopy: A surgical procedure to examine the chest area and lungs.
Thymectomy: The surgical procedure to remove the thymus gland. This procedure is sometimes
necessary for patients with myasthenia gravis and can result in remission of the condition.
Tracheal Stenting: Tracheal stents are tubes of various sizes, structures (solid or hollow), and
material (absorbable or non-absorbable) that are used to stabilize a trachea and prevent collapse.
Tuberculosis: A contagious bacterial infection that is spread through the air from person to person.
Developing the tuberculosis disease requires repeated exposure. Some symptoms include a cough
that will not go away, always feeling tired, weight loss, fever and night sweats.
Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS): A surgery using advanced technology (video
computers) to perform operations that formerly required large incisions. VATS allows the surgeon to
accomplish the same goals but with smaller incisions and less pain. VATS can be used to examine
the chest cavity and perform diagnostic procedures such as lung, diaphragmatic and pleural
biopsies. Some complex surgical procedures can also be performed such as lung resections.
Wedge Resection: A surgical procedure to remove a small section of lung tissue in the shape of
wedge.
| THORACIC VOCABULARY |
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this web-site or by any links to or from this site is strictly presented for educational and entertainment purposes only. This information is not
a recommendation for a specific treatment plan, product, or course of action or medical or healthcare provider. In addition, this information may become out
of date over time. It is important that you see a healthcare professional for detailed information about medical conditions and treatments. This information is
not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional or a recommendation for any particular treatment plan.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Site Map Disclaimer Privacy Statement Contact Us Copyright 2007 Summit Surgical Institute, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this web-site or by any links to or from this site is strictly presented for educational and entertainment purposes only. This information is not
a recommendation for a specific treatment plan, product, or course of action or medical or healthcare provider. In addition, this information may become out
of date over time. It is important that you see a healthcare professional for detailed information about medical conditions and treatments. This information is
not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional or a recommendation for any particular treatment plan.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Site Map Disclaimer Privacy Statement Contact Us Copyright 2007 Summit Surgical Institute, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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CONTACT US
Office Information:
About Us
Appointments
New Jersey Offices
New York Office
Our Surgeons:
Our Physicians
Gary Kline, M.D.
Roxana Kline, M.D.
Our Specialties:
General Surgery
Thoracic Surgery
Vascular Surgery
Cosmetic Services
Summit Vein Institute
Patient Information:
Information Overview
Insurance Companies
Newsletters
Patient Registration Pkg
Pharmacies
References:
Hospital Affiliations
Medical Organizations
Vocabulary: Thoracic
Vocabulary: Vascular
Web-Site Links
CONTACT US