Exercising, not smoking, and breathing clean air are some of the best things you can do to maintain strong, healthy lungs, but did you know that certain foods can also contribute to good lung health?

A lung-healthy diet not only helps you maintain healthy lungs—it can also reduce your symptoms if you are living with a lung condition.

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We are thrilled to announce that Thoracic Group was featured in an article alongside CentraState’s Lung Screening Program!

Matt Fox from Manalapan is now a lung cancer survivor with more precious time to spend with his family. Despite being a former smoker, his participation in CentraState’s lung screening program led to the early detection of a small nodule on his lung, allowing for effective monitoring and treatment. 

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Getting diagnosed with cancer can be scary, overwhelming, and stressful—especially when your next step involves discussing and learning about your available treatment options. When results from your cancer screening come back positive, getting a second opinion could help you avoid a misdiagnosis, which could lead to delayed or less optimal treatment for your condition.

Here’s more about the importance of second opinions and how to request an appointment with Thoracic Group when you’re ready to discuss minimally invasive treatments for thoracic cancer.

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Smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease in the United States—yet, this behavior is practiced by nearly 40 million adults. Smoking and tobacco use increases your risk for a wide range of serious health problems, including death. However, knowing what smoking does to your lungs can empower you to quit.

Here are three things you should know about the effects of smoking on your lungs. 

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Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States, reports the American Cancer Society (ACS). It states that in 2022, there will be an estimated 236,740 new lung cancer cases and that this will cause 130,180 deaths.

Lung cancer screening can help you identify cancer in its early stages to increase treatment options and improve your chances of experiencing a positive outcome. Here’s more about how lung cancer screening works and why you should consider having one.

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A wave of pain engulfs you as you clutch your stomach. What’s going on? Is it appendicitis? Food poisoning?

It could be a peptic ulcer. Peptic ulcers are open sores in the stomach or small intestines that are further irritated by stomach acid. They are painful, and if left untreated can eat a hole in your stomach, obstruct your bowels or cause internal bleeding.

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According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer—both small cell and non-small cell—is the second most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the U.S. (more…)

Dr. Robert Caccavale is one of the two-man team of surgeons successfully running Thoracic Group. Along with Dr. Jean-Philippe Bocage, this dynamic duo is renowned for their innovative work in the field of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). (more…)

Dr. Jean-Philippe Bocage is a board certified thoracic surgeon and Partner at Thoracic Group, New Jersey’s premier thoracic surgery practice. Together with Dr. Robert Caccavale, the two have blazed a trail as pioneers in the field of minimally invasive surgery of the chest with the procedure called VATS (video-assisted thoracic surgery). (more…)

Seated in the heart of Lung Cancer Awareness Month—on the third Thursday of November, to be precise—is the Great American Smokeout, established and led by the American Cancer Society. The designated day is designed to encourage smoking Americans to make plans to quit or quit on that day in order to improve overall health and decrease the risk of lung disease, especially lung cancer. (more…)

Mesothelioma is a well-known word to anyone who has spent time watching daytime TV and its copious commercials. However, many seem to be under the impression that this disease is a type of lung cancer. This is a common misnomer; though mesothelioma is a type of cancer and does develop in the chest (thoracic) cavity, that is essentially where the similarities end between the two.  (more…)

Recently, our very own Dr. Robert Caccavale was featured in an article regarding lung cancer screening with CONQUER magazine. Dr. Caccavale discussed 5 important things that every American should know when considering whether to have a lung cancer screening. Below we have included an excerpt from the piece and link to the full article.

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Radon is a naturally occurring gas that forms when radioactive elements—such as uranium, radium and thorium—break down in soil and rock. This colorless, odorless and radioactive gas can pass through soil and rock into the air, as well as into underground and surface water.
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Currently, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., killing more than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. That’s because lung cancer is what’s known as a “silent killer.” It typically shows no signs or symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage. This is partially due to the fact that the lungs themselves have no pain receptors. Therefore, they don’t feel pain, and pain is usually an indication that something is wrong. Consequently, the mass grows in the lung tissue often for years undetected.
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Myasthenia gravis (MG)—a combination of Latin and Greek wording that means grave muscular weakness—is a disorder that causes a breakdown in communication between the nerves and voluntary muscles in the body. It is known to affect one in 5,000 Americans but is thought to be severely underdiagnosed.
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Based on estimates put out by the American Cancer Society, 222,500 Americans (116,990 men and 105,510 women) will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017. It continues to be the leading cause of cancer death and kills more people than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. These startling statistics are largely due to the fact that lung cancer is a “silent killer,” showing no symptoms until the disease has already reached an advanced stage. (more…)

Over the years—with partial thanks to the advent of the internet and fake news sites—myths seem to have accumulated regarding the silent killer that is lung cancer. As thoracic surgeons, we would like to set the record straight on some of the more common misconceptions out there and give those in search of answers the information they need. (more…)

November is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month and the stakes couldn’t be higher when it comes to early detection. It’s commonly believed that lung cancer—the growth of abnormal, unhealthy cells in one or both lungs that eventually develop into tumors—is a disease associated only with those who smoke or have smoked in the past. It’s a dangerous misconception. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), as many as 20 percent of those who die from lung cancer every year (roughly 16,000 to 24,000 Americans) do not smoke or engage in any form of tobacco use.¹ Translation: We’re all potentially at risk.
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Prevent Cancer! Save Lives! Publicity abounds for cancer screenings, and that’s a good thing. But some cancers get more attention than others. For example, the NFL wears pink in October for Breast Cancer Awareness; the internet features copious lists of Famous Men Who Have Had Prostate Cancer, and Katie Couric is still credited with revolutionizing colon cancer and screening awareness when she underwent a live colonoscopy back in March 2000 on NBC’s Today.

This begs the question: What about lung cancer? It’s the second most common cancer in men and women, and the leading cause of cancer deaths for both genders. Who’s shouting into the megaphone for lung cancer screening/awareness? Until recently, not many.
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Recently, our very own Dr. Robert Caccavale was featured in an article regarding lung cancer screening on New Jersey 101.5’s website. Dr. Caccavale discussed the positive aspects of a yearly low-dose computed tomography (CT) screening (which is now covered by many insurances and Medicare) for those with an elevated risk of developing lung cancer. Finding the cancer early, he noted, drastically increases the chances of a positive outcome as opposed to finding it after symptoms have appeared.

We’re proud of Dr. Caccavale being called upon for his decades of expertise in treating lung cancer and other thoracic conditions.

Read the full story here.

We are pleased to announce that our own Dr. Robert Caccavale was one of only 1,907 physicians in New Jersey to be listed as a Top Doctor for 2016 by Inside Jersey (IJ) magazine. IJ partners with Castle Connolly to provide consumers with only the best in physicians in the Garden State following a thorough peer-reviewed selection and screening process.

Click here to read the featured publication.

According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the second most common cancer in men and women, and is the leading cause of cancer deaths for both genders. Part of the reason the mortality rate is so high is that lung cancers usually spread before they are found. Reason being, many lung cancer patients are asymptomatic early on.
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Have you ever thought that your palms might sweat more than the average person? Have you ever asked yourself, “Why are my palms so sweaty?” If either of these has crossed your mind, you are not alone. The excessive sweating of palms that you are experiencing is likely caused by a medical condition known as palmar hyperhidrosis. (more…)

Hear Dr. Robert Caccavale, an expert in minimally invasive Thoracic Surgery utilizing the VATS procedure, on-air Tuesday, May 5^th on Magic 98.3 FM as he discusses the importance of lung cancer screenings, how to get screened, and the advantages of minimally invasive Thoracic Surgery. The interview is scheduled to air at 9:15am.

In order to celebrate medical professionals during Nurses’ Week, the radio station is interviewing medical professionals on-site at different Central New Jersey hospitals each day. The station will be broadcasting live from CentraState Medical Center on Tuesday and will feature the special interview with Dr. Caccavale.

Live streaming of 98.3 FM and the interview with Dr. Caccavale is available here

Do you notice that your palms always feel damp? Have you found yourself feeling self-conscious or embarrassed about excessive perspiration on your hands? If so, you may be suffering from Palmar Hyperhidrosis, and if you think you are forced to live with this condition forever, think again. (more…)

A lark. Nedra Eagle, a smoker for 35 years, was not speaking about a venerable brand of cigarette.

Eagle was referring to how she viewed the prospect of participating in the Comprehensive LungCare Program at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, N.J., where she had worked for seven years in the medical billing department until retirement two years ago. (more…)

Dr. Robert J. Caccavale, MD, FACS, of Thoracic Group will deliver a speech on Thursday, January 22 from 8 to 9 a.m. entitled The Role of the Thoracic Surgeon in the Treatment of Lung Cancer in the Fuld Auditorium at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Somerset. (more…)

Dr. Robert Caccavale Discusses the Latest News in Lung Cancer on WCTC’s “Sound Advice”

Dr. Robert Caccavale, renowned thoracic surgeon, was featured on “Sound Advice” on WCTC 1450 AM, providing listeners with a variety of insightful information to mark Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Caccavale discussed the latest developments in lung cancer screening and treatment options. He emphasized minimally invasive video assisted thoracic surgery’s (VATS) role in lung cancer screening and how it is used when patients are diagnosed. After outlining the history of lung cancer, he spoke about the newest genetic testing that can be used to target therapies. Dr. Caccavale ended the hour with his insights into health and wellness. A number of listeners called in with perceptive questions, which elicited useful advice from Dr. Caccavale.

Dr. Robert Caccavale featured in the Asbury Park Press

Dorothy Davis of Freehold had no indications of lung cancer. Despite being a former smoker, the 67-year-old is now an active hiker. A fall and subsequent back pain led her down a road that ended with a recommended lung cancer screening through the Comprehensive LungCare Program at CentraState in Freehold. (more…)

Congratulations to Dr. Caccavale, named an Inside Jersey/Castle Connolly Top Doc 2013!

Inside Jersey, in partnership with Castle Connolly Medical, esteemed for their incredibly high standard of medical ratings research, have recently named their Top Doctors in New Jersey, based on feedback from thousands of physicians and other health care professionals. (more…)

What is Hyperhidrosis?

Sweating is the body’s natural cooling mechanism, however sometimes a person may suffer from excessive, uncontrollable sweating, unrelated to outside temperature or intensity of exercise. This condition is known as hyperhidrosis. Not only can it make daily tasks more difficult, but may cause anxiety and stress in social settings that often leads to even further perspiration. If you are experiencing symptoms of hyperhidrosis, know that you are not alone. Nearly eight million Americans suffer from some form of hyperhidrosis, yet only 38% may seek medical attention.* (more…)

Dr. Caccavale To Present At Educational Conference

Robert J. Caccavale, M.D. will be among the experts featured at an educational conference on malignant mesothelioma. The conference, featuring panelists in the New York area, will be held on September 27th at the Harvard Club in New York City. It is presented by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation and open to patients, their families, doctors and others wishing to learn more about the subject. (more…)

Read the story here: www.njspotlight.com/stories/13/09/23/new-jersey-hospitals-offer-lung-cancer-screenings-at-discount/

New Lung Scan Recommendation Targeted at Protecting High-Risk Smokers

Lung cancer claims about 160,000 lives a year — more than a quarter of all cancer deaths and greater than the toll from colorectal, breast, pancreatic and prostate cancers combined. This is according to an article in the New York Times, which reports on the recommendation of a task force of experts that urges lung CT scans for high-risk smokers. The experts claim this measure has the potential to save 20,000 lives a year. (more…)

Dr. Robert Caccavale Voted Top Doc

New Jersey Monthly, a monthly statewide publication that cites the best of everything in the Garden State, asked 22,780 New Jersey doctors to tell which of their fellow doctors they consider the state’s best doctors. The result is the 2012 list of the state’s top doctors, as chosen by their peers. New Jersey Monthly provides the only statewide list of top doctors based entirely on an independent survey of New Jersey’s licensed doctors. (more…)

Dr. Caccavale Named One of the Nation’s Best Doctors

Thoracic Group’s Dr. Robert Caccavale was listed among the “Best Doctors in America” for 2011 by the Boston-based medical consultation firm Best Doctors in America®. The listing includes the country’s most respected physicians in their fields, as determined by their peers through confidential phone interviews and polling and balloting software. Overall, more than 46,000 doctors from 400-plus specialties and subspecialties are asked about the clinical skills and experience of their fellow physicians, as well as whom they would recommend or go to for themselves. The “Best Doctors in America” list “is respected by the medical profession and patients alike as the source of top quality medical information.”

Congratulations to Dr. Caccavale!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Help Is Available to Live a Smoke-Free and Cancer-Free Life
The Steeplechase Cancer Center holds an educational forum on ending nicotine addiction and lung cancer prevention
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Dr. Caccavale Receives Top Honors

For the second year in a row, Dr. Robert J. Caccavale was named a Top Doctor by both New Jersey Monthly and Inside Jersey magazines. Each year, the regional publications cite the best physicians in the Garden State, as recognized by other doctors and by Castle Connolly, “the gold standard for medical ratings research,” respectively. In 2009, Inside Jersey wrote, “Dr. Robert J. Caccavale has set new standards for general thoracic surgical services as a nationally-recognized pioneer of minimally-invasive video-assisted thoracic surgery.” (more…)

2010 Newsletter

Patient Back in the
“Swim of Things” after VATS Procedure

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VATS Procedure Pioneers, Thoracic Group, P.A., Sees Faster Recover, Fewer Complications for Patients Requiring Chest Surgery

Somerset, NJ, July 20, 2008 – Thoracic Group, P.A., a provider of general thoracic surgical services and a national leader of minimally-invasive video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), has announced the successful completion of its 5,000th VATS surgical procedure. Highly beneficial in its ability to reduce incision size, hospital stay, associated complications and related chronic chest pain as compared to traditional open chest surgery (i.e., thoracotomy), this specific technique employs just four minimal incisions and allows surgeons to execute a variety of chest procedures via videoscope.  Led by VATS pioneers Robert J. Caccavale, M.D. and Jean-Philippe Bocage, M.D., Thoracic Group, P.A. began employing the technique in 1990 and currently uses it in over 99 percent of its procedures. (more…)

Changing the Way Surgeons Save Lives

At Thoracic Group, Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) Means Patients Recover Faster, Easier and with Fewer Complications

Somerset, NJ –  June 15, 2008 – Technology is changing the way doctors practice medicine, and nowhere is that more evident than at Thoracic Group, where an innovative procedure, Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS), has radically changed the way surgeons operate. (more…)