Lung Conditions and Symptoms

Understanding Lung Conditions

Your lungs play a vital role in breathing and oxygenating the body. When they are affected by disease or injury, it can significantly impact your overall health, quality of life, and even survival. Lung conditions range from common and treatable infections to more complex or life-threatening diseases that may require surgical management.

As a Melbourne-based specialist in both cardiac and thoracic surgery, Mr Adrian Pick provides expert diagnosis and surgical care for a wide range of lung conditions, from benign disorders to cancer.

Common Symptoms of Lung Conditions

Lung disease may present with a variety of symptoms. If you experience any of the following—especially if they are persistent or worsening—it’s important to seek medical attention:

• Persistent cough: Lasting more than a few weeks, especially if it worsens over time or changes in character.
• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing during activity or even at rest can be an early warning sign.
• Chest pain: Sharp or dull pain in the chest that may worsen with deep breathing or coughing.
• Coughing up blood (haemoptysis): Even small amounts of blood in sputum should never be ignored.
• Wheezing or noisy breathing: Can be a sign of airway obstruction or inflammation.
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue: These can indicate chronic or serious underlying lung disease.
• Frequent respiratory infections: Recurring bronchitis or pneumonia may signal a structural or immune-related issue.

Common Lung Conditions Treated

Mr Adrian Pick provides care for a wide range of thoracic conditions affecting the lungs. These include:

1. Lung Cancer

One of the most serious lung conditions, lung cancer can be life-threatening if not detected early. It may start in the lung tissue itself or spread from other parts of the body. Surgical treatment such as lobectomy or segmentectomy may be required, often as part of a multi-disciplinary approach including oncology.

2. Pulmonary Nodules or Masses

Small lumps in the lungs may be found incidentally on imaging. While many are benign, some can be early-stage cancers. Biopsy or surgical removal may be recommended for diagnosis and treatment.

3. Pleural Effusion

An abnormal collection of fluid between the lung and chest wall can cause breathing difficulties and discomfort. Thoracic surgery may be needed to drain the fluid and investigate the cause.

4. Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung)

This occurs when air leaks into the space around the lung, causing it to collapse. While some cases resolve on their own, others require surgical repair to prevent recurrence.

5. Emphysema and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Advanced cases of emphysema may benefit from lung volume reduction surgery to remove damaged tissue and improve breathing efficiency.

6. Lung Infections and Abscesses

Severe or recurrent infections such as abscesses or chronic pneumonia may require surgical drainage or removal of infected lung tissue.

7. Bronchiectasis

This condition involves chronic widening of the airways, leading to repeated infections, inflammation, and mucus build-up. In selected cases, surgery may be considered when one area of the lung is severely affected.

8. Thoracic Trauma

Injuries to the chest or lungs—whether from accidents, falls, or penetrating trauma—can require urgent surgical intervention.

Diagnostic and Surgical Expertise

As a specialist thoracic surgeon, Mr Adrian Pick offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic and surgical techniques, including:

• Thoracoscopy and VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery): Minimally invasive procedures to examine and treat conditions within the chest.
• Lung biopsies: For diagnosis of unexplained lung masses or inflammation.
• Lobectomy and wedge resection: Surgical removal of part of the lung affected by cancer or other disease.
• Pleurodesis or decortication: To treat recurrent pleural effusions or infections.

All treatments are tailored to the patient’s specific condition, overall health, and preferences, with a focus on safety, recovery, and long-term outcomes.

When to See a Thoracic Surgeon

You may be referred to a thoracic surgeon like Mr Adrian Pick if:

• A suspicious mass or nodule is found on a scan.
• You have persistent lung symptoms that are not responding to medical treatment.
• You have been diagnosed with lung cancer or a condition requiring surgical evaluation.
• You have recurring pneumothorax, infections, or pleural effusions.
• A biopsy or diagnostic procedure is needed to determine the cause of your symptoms.

Expert Thoracic Care in Melbourne

Mr Adrian Pick is highly experienced in the surgical treatment of lung and thoracic conditions. Working closely with general practitioners, respiratory physicians, and oncologists, Mr Pick provides coordinated, expert care for patients throughout Melbourne and surrounding regions.

Book a Consultation

If you have concerns about your lung health or have been referred for a specialist opinion, contact our rooms to arrange a consultation with Mr Adrian Pick. Early diagnosis and expert care can significantly improve outcomes for many thoracic conditions.