Lung Cancer

Understanding the problem:

Lung cancer refers to cancerous cell growth that originates from the lungs. These are the organs that pump oxygen into the chest and release carbon dioxide from your respiratory system. Lung cancer is extremely common and is responsible for more mortalities than any other cancer in the world. Research suggests that the primary cause of this disease is due to smoking, however lung cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked before in their lives.

Signs & Symptoms:

• A new cough that doesn't go away
• Coughing up blood
• Headaches
• Losing weight without trying
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pains
• Hoarseness
• Bone pains

Examinations Required:

• Chest X-ray - Tumors appear as white/grey masses
• CT scan - provide more detailed images of the tumor
• PET-CT scan - shows the location of active cancer cells
• Bronchoscopy - tiny camera that passes through the mouth to view the airways
• Biopsy - removal of a small sample of cells

If any of these tests suggest a Lung Cancer, and treatment doesn’t subside the symptoms, Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery may be advised.

Mediastinal Tumor

Understanding the problem:

The mediastinum comprises of the heart, esophagus, thymus, lymph nodes, trachea and nerves, and is located between the lungs, behind the breastbone and in front of the spine. Mediastinal tumors therefore refer to a cellular growth in the mediastinum. These types of tumors are rare and are generally seen in patients aged 30 to 50 years

old. Even though mediastinal tumors are not cancerous, due to their location, they can cause serious problems if left untreated, including spreading to the heart or even compressing the spinal cord.

Signs & Symptoms — Symptoms aren’t evident but generally include:

• Coughing up blood
• Hoarseness
• Swollen or tender lymph nodes
• Wheezing / Noisy breathing - indicating a blockage
• Unexplained weight loss
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Drooping eyelid on one side of the face
• Flushing
• Fever / Chills / Night sweats

Examinations Required:

• Blood tests
• Biopsy
• Chest X-ray
• Esophagoscopy
• Bronchoscopy
• Ultrasound
• MRI / CT Scan with an IV contrast agent

If any of these tests suggest a Mediastinal Tumor, and treatment doesn’t subside the symptoms, Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery may be advised.

Myasthenia Gravis

Understanding the problem:

Myasthenia gravis is a lifelong neuromuscular autoimmune disease, affecting the neuromuscular junction (communication between nerves and muscles). Patients suffering from MG tend to experience muscle weakness and lose the ability to control muscles due to fatigue. This includes not being able to move facial muscles, neck muscles and whole limbs. Generally, there are two types of MG, Ocular and Generalized, both of which can be debilitating for a patient’s life.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Muscle weakness
• Double vision
• Drooping eyelids
• Difficulty moving the neck and holding up the head
• Trouble speaking, chewing and swallowing
• Difficulty walking, standing up from a seated position and climbing stairs

Examinations Required:

• Physical exam
• Ice pack test - placing ice packs on the eyelids to see if the drooping improves, indicating MG
• Antibody tests
• MRI / CT Scan - check for thymus gland issues
• Electromyogram (EMG) - detect communication problems of the nerves and muscles

If any of these tests suggest a Myasthenia Gravis, and treatment doesn’t subside the symptoms, Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery may be advised.