Dignity Health Norton Thoracic Institute

The team at the Norton Thoracic Institute diagnoses and treats many types of cancers and conditions that affect the chest. Some of the most common include lung cancer, esophageal cancer, mesothelioma, mediastinal tumors, chest wall tumors, airway tumors and cancers that spread to the chest.

Common lung conditions we treat include:

• Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

• Asthma

• Bronchiectasis

• Chest wall masses

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• Cystic fibrosis

• Lung cancer

• Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM)

• Mediastinal masses

• Pulmonary fibrosis

• Pulmonary hypertension

• Pulmonary nodules

Esophageal conditions we evaluate and treat include:

• Achalasia

• Barrett’s esophagus

• Diffuse esophageal spasm

• Dysphagia

• Esophageal cancer

• Esophageal stricture

• Gastric cancer

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease

• Hiatal hernia

• Zenker’s diverticulum

We offer several advanced tools and treatments that may not be available at many hospitals, including:

• Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery, which can mean smaller incisions and faster recovery

• Robotic bronchoscopy for highly precise lung biopsies and diagnosis

• Advanced interventional pulmonology procedures

• Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), a highly targeted form of radiation

• Genomic testing to help match patients with targeted therapies

These technologies allow our team to diagnose and treat thoracic cancers with greater precision.

Determining eligibility for a transplant involves a careful review of several factors, including your specific diagnosis, current health status, and the effectiveness of prior treatments. The transplant evaluation process includes comprehensive medical tests, consultations, and in-depth discussions with our specialists to ensure the safest and most suitable care plan for you.

Your dedicated care team will thoroughly assess your condition and collaborate with you to determine if a transplant is the right treatment option.

We understand that waiting for answers can be stressful. Our team works to schedule evaluations and testing as quickly as possible, especially when cancer is suspected. During your evaluation, you may complete imaging, lab tests, lung function testing, and meetings with physicians, coordinators, social workers and financial counselors. 

When appropriate, patients may be able to see multiple specialists on the same day or have coordinated testing and consultations to speed up diagnosis and treatment planning.

Many patients are referred by pulmonologists, cardiologists or primary care providers when advanced lung conditions need specialized evaluation. If you’re already seeing a specialist for breathing or heart concerns, they can help determine when a referral to a thoracic surgeon or transplant team may be appropriate. You can also ask your current provider whether a transplant consultation makes sense for your situation.

Your care team is based on your diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment needs. Depending on your care plan, you may see specialists in:

• Gastroenterology

• Interventional pulmonology

• Oncology

• Pathology

• Pulmonology

• Radiology

• Rehabilitation

• Speech pathology

• Thoracic surgery

Yes. A thoracic cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our nurse navigators help guide patients through every step of care. They can help schedule appointments, explain tests and treatments, coordinate visits with multiple specialists, and connect patients and families with supportive services.

Wait times vary based on organ availability, blood type and medical urgency. At Norton Thoracic Institute, the average wait time for a lung transplant is about two weeks, which may be shorter than the national average. Your transplant team will discuss what this could mean for you.

We take a whole-person approach to cancer care, supporting not only physical health but also emotional and practical needs.

Patients may have access to services such as:

• Oncology social workers

• Nutrition counseling

• Pain management specialists

• Emotional and psychological support

• Spiritual care services

• Cancer support groups through the Dignity Health Cancer Center

Yes. Patients at the Norton Thoracic Institute may have access to clinical trials and emerging therapies that are not widely available. These studies give eligible patients the opportunity to try promising new treatments while also helping advance research in thoracic cancer care.