Mike asks:
My father 75 and has lung cancer. Do you perform daVinci surgery at Penn?

Response:
At Penn, we use the daVinci robot for several procedures. Our thoracic surgeons currently are not offering robotic lung resection surgery on a routine basis. This is an experimental technique at this point. A more acceptable option is VATS, or video assisted thoracoscopic surgery, which our thoracic surgeons frequently perform.

This is a minimally invasive technique with similar results in treating cancers but offers the opportunity for shorter and faster recovery.

Chris asks:
What tests are there for lung cancer? I have a family history, smoke and have some chest pain.

Tracey L. Evans, MD responds:
As of yet, there is no approved screening study for lung cancer. This means that there is no test recommended for people who are at risk for lung cancer (due to smoking history or family history) but have no symptoms. Ongoing studies are evaluating whether computed tomography (CT) scans performed yearly in high risk, asymptomatic people would be able to reduce the risk of dying from lung cancer by detecting the disease at an earlier, more treatable stage.

All of the above applies to patients WITHOUT symptoms. If you are having chest pain, you do need to be evaluated by a physician, and you will likely need additional tests. Lung cancer can potentially cause chest pain, but there are also several other potential causes, some of which can be quite serious. These include heart disease, blood clots in the lung, abnormalities of major blood vessels within the chest, or infections within the chest.

Of course, simple, non-serious causes including muscle strains are also possible. When you do see a physician about this, make sure you mention your smoking status and family history of lung cancer. This may increase the likelihood of your physician ordering a CT scan of the chest to make sure lung cancer is not a potential cause of your pain.

To make an appointment or speak with a physician, please call 800-789-PENN or you can also request an appointment online.

Hajira asks:
Is having a cyst during pregnancy safe?

Response:
We're sorry, this month we are answering questions relating to lung cancer. For more information about your question, please refer to Penn Ob/Gyn Care.

Dot asks:
If I have an ovarian cyst, could this ever change to cancer?

Response:
We're sorry, this month we are answering questions relating to lung cancer. For more information about your question, please refer to Penn Ob/Gyn Care.

Kylee asks:
I have pain in the center of my chest between my shoulder blades at back (really uncomfortable pressure); recent dizziness; headaches (never suffered before); constant unexplained swollen glands in my neck, groin and underarms; and I had a spinal schwannoma L4-L5 removed 5 years ago. Otherwise I am a healthy 38 year-old mom of two boys. I appreciate any advice.

Response:
We're sorry, this month we are answering questions relating to lung cancer. For more information about your question, please consult with your physician.

Marvasea asks:
Can palpitations in menopause put you into heart failure?

Response:
We're sorry, this month we are answering questions relating to lung cancer. For more information about your question, please refer to Penn OB/GYN Care.

Chuckie asks:
I have been diagnosed with lupus. I am seeing another doctor for a second opinion. I have taken no medications. My body chemistry is changing. I am sensitive/allergic to many foods, bites, and medications. Can this be a side effect of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)? Is there any correlation between SLE and allergies to foods, bites and medication?

Response:
We're sorry, this month we are answering questions relating to lung cancer. For more information about your question, please refer to Rheumatology at Penn.