Lung Cancer Clinic
Each year more than 200,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer. However, despite the serious nature of lung cancer, the prognosis for beating it is much better than it was even five years ago, thanks to early detection efforts and new treatment strategies.
Esophageal Cancer Clinic
Esophageal cancer accounts for more than 16,000 new cases each year. Thanks to improved treatments and early intervention, the survival rates for esophageal cancer have improved greatly since the 1960s when only a small percentage of people with the disease survived more than five years.
Mesothelioma Clinic
Most mesotheliomas begin in the chest cavity. Though fairly rare, there are still about 2,000 to 3,000 new cases each year, primarily in men over 65. Early detection and intervention by doctors at the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute's thoracic program is essential in treating the disease.
Lung Nodule Clinic
The presence of lung nodules does not automatically signal that you have cancer. Benign nodules can actually be quite common. To ensure that the nodules aren't cancerous, doctors at FHCI will monitor changes in size, shape or appearance through regular tests.
Uncommon Malignancies Clinic
Rare forms of cancer include carcinoid tumors, mediastinal tumors and thymoma. Each of these presents unique challenges that doctors at the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute address with a broad range of traditional and leading edge treatment strategies.
Who We Are
Tarek Mekhail, MD
Learn more about the role of the medical oncologist in the treatment of thoracic cancer.
Sigfredo Aldarondo, MD
Learn more about the role of the pulmonologist in the treatment of thoracic cancer.
Joseph Boyer, MD
Learn more about the role of the thoracic surgeon in the treatment of thoracic cancer.
Dealing With Esophageal Cancer
Primarily affecting men over the age of 65, esophageal cancer starts in the inside lining of the esophagus and then spreads outward into other layers as it grows. Approximately 16,500 new cases are diagnosed annually in the United States.
The Florida Hospital Cancer Institute's world-class physicians, nurses, specialists and support staff are specially trained in diagnosis and treating esophageal cancer. Their special brand of care focuses on leading edge treatments, many still in the clinical trial stage, balanced by a compassionate team that offers you support, clear communication and the best outcomes modern medicine can provide.
There are two types of esophageal cancer and each is named for the type of cells that become malignant, or cancerous.
Squamous cell carcinoma forms in the thin, flat cells that line the esophagus. This cancer is usually found in the upper and middle part of the esophagus and is sometimes referred to as epidermoid carcinoma.
The other form of esophageal cancer is known as adenocarcinoma. It begins in the glandular cells that line the esophagus that are responsible for producing mucus. This form of cancer of the esophagus is usually found in the lower part of the esophagus, near the stomach.
Our goal is to treat both forms as aggressively as possible, bringing all our resources to bear on accurately diagnosing and treating this serious form of cancer. Our multi-disciplinary team will work with you to explore options, provide you with answers to your pressing questions in clear terms and ensure that you have the very best care available, including state-of-the-art diagnostics, groundbreaking therapies and access to new approaches being tested by labs coast-to-coast and abroad.
Want to learn more about Esophageal Cancer? Click on the links below or contact our care coordinator.
Esophageal Cancer Information




