From first symptoms to recovery — expert guidance and treatment tailored to your needs.
Sarah recalls the moment vividly. It is one of those moments when your surgeon says the words “lung cancer diagnosis,” and the world shifts. But what she didn’t know then—and what you should know now—is that her story was just beginning. Lung cancer surgery or modern thoracic surgery isn’t as aggressive as it used to be and, together with other treatment options, can be curative even for advanced stages. Mr Marco Scarci, our experienced thoracic surgeon, has helped many patients take this journey. The good news is that many lung cancer tumours are easily treatable due to early detection following lung cancer screening.
Think of it like precision gardening. Just as you cut away diseased parts to help a plant thrive, lung surgery removes a part of a lung to get rid of a lung tumour, leaving healthy tissue behind. There are several types of lung resections in which a surgeon removes either a small portion of the lung (segmentectomy), a whole lobe (lobectomy), or an entire lung (right or left). For big tumours, I can save your lung by removing the cancer and rejoining the windpipe and blood vessels, this procedure is called sleeve resection. In short, what dictates what types of surgery you are offered depends on the location of the tumour or lung nodule.
Complete Healing: My goal is to remove all cancer cells. Early-stage patients may be cured, and with additional treatment, I strive for the same result in advanced stages. I aim to cure as many lung cancer patients as possible.
Your Tomorrow, Secured: Early lung cancer surgery can restore your normal life expectancy.
Peace of Mind: Removing tumours reduces the risk of recurrence. We only recommend surgery when it offers a survival advantage, is the best option, is backed by solid evidence (clinical trials), and every treatment plan is approved by a multidisciplinary team (MDT).
The right type of surgery for each patient: the vast majority of my operations are done by a single 3cm incision or by robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, which leads to fewer complications and side effects. I am not obsessed with the keyhole approach, though: if the best way forward for you is by open surgery, that is what I will offer.
No nasty surprises: I am fee-assured with all insurances, and so are the anaesthetists I work with. If you pay for your treatment directly, all follow-up is included.
Won’t say no to difficult cases: my team and I have delivered many successful operations for patients that were rejected by other lung surgeons as deemed too high-risk. If surgery is the best option for you, I will take your case on. I will clearly explain the different types of lung cancer surgery, surgical options and risk factors (risk to develop blood clots, shortness of breath or chest pain).
Michael, a teacher, put it this way: “If cancer is a fire in one room, lung cancer surgery puts it out before it spreads.”
Surgery is the gold standard for early-stage lung cancer. Later stages may involve chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy. Your team tailors a plan to your situation, backed by a solid MDT of the best doctors in the NHS. My team and I offer a tailored solution for each type of lung cancer.
Cancer is contained in an entire lobe of the lung. Surgery offers the highest cure potential.
Surgery is often combined with chemo, radiation, or immunotherapy.
Maria: “I was Stage II. We attacked it from every angle. Two years later, I’m hiking again.”
Cancerous cells may spread to the lymph nodes or chest wall. Surgery becomes part of a multi-step plan.
If cancer has spread, palliative surgery can still improve your quality of life.
Cancer is contained in an entire lobe of the lung. Surgery offers the highest cure potential.
Surgery is often combined with chemo, radiation, or immunotherapy.
Maria: “I was Stage II. We attacked it from every angle. Two years later, I’m hiking again.”
Cancerous cells may spread to the lymph nodes or chest wall. Surgery becomes part of a multi-step plan.
If cancer has spread, palliative surgery can still improve your quality of life.
These aren’t roadblocks—they guide the best path forward.
James asked, “Is this really my only option?” He was right to ask. A second opinion can bring reassurance, uncover alternatives, or simply confirm your plan.
Thought she had cancer. A second opinion revealed a rare autoimmune condition.
Was told he needed major surgery. A second look found a benign growth
Beyond the physical redness, chronic blushing takes a real emotional toll:
Most common. Removes one lung lobe (like a room in a house). Ideal for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Emma: “It felt like a house renovation. The damaged room is gone, but everything else is working.”
Removes a full lung when cancer spans multiple lobes.
David: “One healthy lung is enough. I still dance at weddings.”
Wedge resection: Removes a small wedge-shaped section of lung, including the tumour and a margin of healthy tissue.
Segmentectomy: Removes a larger lung section, including blood vessels (that bring blood in and out of the lung) and airways (the tubes that carry air in and out of the lung). Best for small tumours or patients who can’t tolerate more invasive surgery.
Smaller incisions, quicker healing.
Lisa: “I had three tiny marks instead of a massive scar. Home in two days.”
Uses a small camera through a keyhole incision.
Our refinement: One single 3cm incision. 25% go home on day one. 50% go home on day two.
Surgeons use robotic arms for super-precise movements.
Patricia: “It felt like science fiction, but it gave me peace of mind.”
Even fewer incisions and faster healing. Suited for early-stage patients or those with other conditions.
George: “At 78 with heart problems, I never thought I could have surgery. Now I’m cancer-free.”
Your plan is shaped by a team:
Rebecca: “I packed for a week. Went home day two with little pain.”
Helps build lung strength through breathing exercises and education.
If you smoke, this is your moment to quit. It boosts healing and reduces recurrence.
It’s normal to feel sadness, fear, or anxiety. Emotional healing is just as important.
Expert answers to common questions about thoracic surgery, recovery and what to expect.
No. Early stages often benefit most. Advanced cancers may need other treatments, sometimes together with surgery.
Many early-stage patients are cured by surgery, but advanced-stage patients can also be cured by combining different treatment modalities.
Most take 2–3 hours.
A few weeks to a few months, depending on the type of surgery.
Modern techniques minimise bleeding, scarring, and pain.
It's best for early-stage patients. Eligibility depends on tumour size, location, and overall health.
It offers superior precision and recovery, especially in expert hands, but there is no clinical evidence that it is significantly better.
Not significantly. Modern pain management is very effective.
Most return to normal activities within weeks. Driving is often cleared at 4–6 weeks.
Regular checkups and post-surgery imaging help track recovery.
Yes. Especially in Stage II and III cancers.
I practice according to the latest guidelines from international bodies such as the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, ESTS, British Thoracic Society, among many others. My mortality is lower than the national average, and my length of stay is 25% shorter than the national average.
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Contact me today to schedule your consultation. Your journey to better health starts with a single phone call.
020 7459 4367
