Q&A with Mitchell J. Magee

Q&A with Mitchell J. Magee, M.D.

Southwest Cardiothoracic Surgeons, North Dallas LIVING WELL Magazine

Lung Cancer Surgery

Dr. Mitchell J. Magee completed a research fellowship at M.D. Anderson and earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. He completed his internship and general surgery residency at the University of Southern California and completed a thoracic surgery residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. In 2007, he returned to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Heart, Lung and Esophageal Surgery Institute to complete additional fellowship training in minimally invasive surgery. He continues to be a committed researcher through the Cardiopulmonary Research Science and Technology Institute in Dallas.

Q: Why do I need to be concerned about lung cancer? Isn’t this just a problem for heavy smokers?

A: Lung cancer causes more deaths than the next three most common cancers combined (colon, breast and prostate). It accounts for almost 30% of all cancer deaths—approximately 15% of all cancer diagnoses. In 1987, it surpassed breast cancer to become the leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Despite a continued decline in smoking, lung cancer is still increasing among non-smokers as well as women, and can advance to a late stage without any symptoms.

Q: If I have a tumor in my lung that is (or could be) lung cancer, how do I make sure I am getting the best treatment available?

A: Finding the right specialist is critical. It’s important to consider that:

  • A thoracic surgeon specializes in treating lung cancer and other diseases of the chest, other than the heart. This is a “super specialist” beyond general and cardiothoracic surgery.
  • Thoracic surgeons have had years of additional training in their area of expertise (lung cancer).

Therefore, you are in the hands of an expert in their field. As a result:

  • Your lung cancer is more likely to be staged correctly (stages 1, 2, 3 or 4) if you consult with a thoracic surgeon which, in turn, is critical in receiving the correct treatment based on the stage of your cancer.
  • Your long-term prognosis is more likely to be positive if you are treated by a surgeon who specializes in lung cancer—a thoracic surgeon.

An experienced thoracic surgeon will more likely use minimally-invasive techniques with greater results due to his or her specialized training and expertise for your lung cancer. Studies have shown that risks are lower and cure rates higher when lung cancer procedures are performed by thoracic surgeons compared to general or cardiothoracic surgeons.

Q: How can minimally invasive surgery improve outcomes?

A: It is a quality of life issue. I was the first surgeon in North Texas to perform minimally invasive laparoscopic and thorascopic surgeries for lung, esophagus and mediastinum (the area between the lungs). These are advanced surgical techniques using high-definition imaging technology and precision instruments. We work through tiny incisions to perform these procedures. In comparison with traditional surgery, patients of mine have access to these newer, more advanced, less-invasive surgical procedures.

Q: When should a patient consider seeing a thoracic surgeon?

A: Your primary care physician should send you to a thoracic surgeon to treat a condition that involves your lungs, esophagus, mediastinum, or chest wall. I work with primary care physicians in North Texas to help them evaluate and manage abnormal CT (computerized tomography) scans that appear suspicious or indicate any abnormalities. If you are at an increased risk for lung cancer, due to a family history or if you have ever smoked, you really should consider a low dose radiation CT scan––consider it prevention.

SERVICES PROVIDED BY DR. MAGEE:

Lung

  • Anatomic Lung Resections
  • Lobectomy
  • Segmentectomy
  • Pneumothorax
  • Sleeve Resection
  • Emphysema – Lung Volume Reduction (LVRS)

Tracheal Disease

  • Benign
  • Malignant

Esophagus

  • Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy
  • Repair of Paraesophageal Hernia
  • Esophageal Stricture
  • Esophageal Myotomy (Cricopharyngeal)
  • Endoscopic Therapies

Mediastinal

  • Minimally Invasive Thymectomy (VATS Approach)
  • Resection of Mediastinal Tumors (VATS Approach)
  • Mediastinoscopy

Other

Sympathectomy (VATS) for Hyperhidrosis

  • Chest Wall Tumor Resection
  • Robotic Surgery
  • Stereotactic Radiosurgery