Chest Center of the Carolinas
The Chest Center of the Carolinas brings together the expertise of multiple specialties in the treatment of diseases of the chest, particularly lung cancer. The center assists patients in their treatment plan by minimizing visits and providing the most advanced care possible. By combining the talents of the specialists into one center, patients’ complex care is coordinated in an efficient and friendly manner, without excessive visits.
The Chest Center of the Carolinas integrates a multi-disciplinary team of board-certified Thoracic Surgeons, Pulmonologists, Medical Oncologists, Radiation Oncologists, Pathologists and Radiologists dedicated to the treatment of diseases of the chest. The center focuses on the treatment of lung cancer as well as esophageal and mediastinal tumors and benign diseases of the chest. The physicians who call the Chest Center of the Carolinas home continuously pursue ways to improve the outcome of patients, including participation in treatment and prevention trials.
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WHAT WE DO
Thoracic Surgery
Our thoracic surgeons have unique expertise in the surgical treatment of diseases of the chest. We use the most advanced treatment options available, including video-assisted thoracic surgery, conventional thoracotomy, minimally invasive bleb resection and pleurodesis, bronchoscopy (flexible and rigid), staging cervical and anterior mediastinoscopy and more. Learn more about cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at FirstHealth.
Pulmonary Medicine
Our lung specialists are board-certified and focus on malignant (lung cancer, lymphoma) and benign (fibrosis, COPD) diseases of the chest. They have specific expertise in the evaluation of abnormal findings of the chest including nodules, masses, pleural effusions, fibrosis and enlarged lymph nodes.
Dr. Michael Pritchett, D.O. and medical director of the Chest Center of the Carolinas, has a special interest and expertise in interventional bronchoscopic techniques, including endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB) and endobronchial airway valve placement.
EBUS is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia and conscious sedation. In using EBUS, the physician avoids the traditional "blind approach" and can sample a variety of lymph nodes.
Gastroenterology Medicine
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) is an additional tool available for the nonsurgical staging of lung cancers, including the sampling of adrenal lesions. EUS, which is performed under sedation, allows imaging and tissue samples to be obtained without the need for open of laparoscopic surgery.
Medical Oncology
Our physicians provide expertise in medical oncology and the treatment of patients with cancers of the lungs and esophagus. Chemotherapy remains a major part of the treatment plans for these patients. Chest Center physicians participate in clinical cancer study groups designed to provide patients with aggressive treatment options often found at large academic hospitals. Visit our Cancer Services page for more information about services at FirstHealth.
Radiation Oncology
Radiation therapy is the most important aspect of non-surgical treatment to control the local extent of cancers. Chest Center physicians have experience in the use of radiation to treat cancers of the lung, esophagus, mediastinum and chest wall.
Pathology
Pathologists are physicians who specialize in the examination of tissues, body fluids and blood. They are responsible for evaluating specimens to determine the type and extent of diseases, both benign and cancerous.
For more information about the Chest Center of the Carolinas call (866) 268-3229 toll-free or visit Cancer Services. Learn more about cancer treatment options at FirstHealth.