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Whether you are concerned about your personal risk factors for lung cancer, navigating a recent diagnosis, or seeking a second opinion, Community MD Anderson Cancer Center is here to provide clear answers and advanced care. Our multidisciplinary team offers the latest surgical options, radiation therapy, medical oncology, and compassionate survivorship support tailored to your unique needs.
To request an appointment with lung cancer specialist, please call 317-621-2627 or 833-473-1483 (toll-free) or request an appointment online.
The thoracic surgery team at Community Heart and Vascular Hospital was the first in Indianapolis to perform Combined Robotic Assisted Thoracic Surgery (CRATS). This innovative procedure uses an ION robot bronchoscope to biopsy a tumor and, if cancerous, remove it during the same session under a single dose of anesthesia. A nationally recognized leader in lung cancer care, the team has successfully completed more than 1,000 robotic bronchoscopy procedures.
Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably and form a tumor. As these tumors grow, they can disrupt your breathing and make it harder for your lungs to provide oxygen to the rest of your body.
There are two main types of lung cancer, which behave and are treated differently:
A small number of people may also develop lung carcinoid tumors, which generally grow very slowly. Finding lung cancer early—before symptoms even start—offers the best opportunity for successful, minimally invasive treatment.
Smoking — even exposure to secondhand smoke — is the leading risk factor for lung cancer. The good news is that quitting smoking, even after many years, can significantly reduce your risk.
While tobacco use is the primary cause, lung cancer can also develop in people who have never smoked. Other environmental, genetic and medical risk factors include:
Symptoms of lung cancer often do not appear until the disease is more advanced, and because early signs can be subtle, they are sometimes mistaken for common respiratory issues. While some people may never experience symptoms, common signs to look for include:
Lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body may cause additional symptoms, including:
These symptoms can also be caused by other medical conditions. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk with your healthcare provider for an evaluation.
Our thoracic surgeons are experts in the surgical treatment of lung cancer and other complex diseases of the chest, using advanced minimally invasive and robotic techniques whenever possible. All our surgeons are Community Health Network MD Anderson Cancer Center providers, offering patients innovative cancer treatment close to home in Central Indiana.
Dr. Rachit Gupta specializes in minimally invasive thoracic oncology and is an expert in lung cancer, esophageal cancer, mediastinal malignancies (tumors in the central chest area) and benign thoracic diseases. He can perform robotic resections (surgical removal of tumors using robotic technology) of thoracic malignancies in all of these areas.
Dr. Gupta is a member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS).
Dr. Kenneth Kesler specializes in thoracic surgical oncology and is an expert in lung cancer, esophageal cancer, mediastinal malignancies (chest cavity tumors), and benign thoracic diseases. Prior to joining Community Health Network, Dr. Kesler was the surgical director of the Indiana University Thoracic Oncology Program, professor of surgery, and a faculty mentor to general and thoracic surgery residents.
Dr. Kesler is a fellow of American College of Surgeons and a member of various societies, including American College of Chest Physicians, American Association for Thoracic Surgeons, American Society of Clinical Oncology, International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, and International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus.
Dr. Joshua Preiss specializes in thoracic oncology with a focus on minimally invasive (VATS) and robotic thoracic surgery. He is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) conditions of the chest, lung, esophagus and mediastinum (area between the lungs). His passions include working with cancer patients to develop and execute a successful care plan. Dr. Preiss is a Community Health Network MD Anderson Cancer Center provider.
Dr. Preiss has trained under world experts in thoracic oncology which has translated into many years of independent experience in providing safe and effective surgical care for complex thoracic pathology (advanced chest and lung conditions). Dr. Preiss is a member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.
Dr. Pulikal’s primary clinical interests are in minimally invasive general thoracic surgery via video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and robotics. This includes anatomic lung resection (removing a portion of the lung) and esophagectomy (surgery to remove part of the esophagus) for benign and malignant disease. Dr. Pulikal is proficient in surgical management of complex primary mediastinal tumors, chest wall resection and reconstruction (removing and rebuilding part of the chest cage), and thoracic trauma.
Dr. Ashish Pulikal completed an integrated residency in cardiothoracic surgery and was administrative chief resident at UNC. He has been a member of the surgical simulation center at UNC teaching multiple courses for medical students, nurses and APPs in bedside and operating room surgical thoracic care.
