Lung nodules & lung cancer
Evaluation of lung nodules and surgical care for lung cancer, including minimally invasive and robotic approaches when appropriate.
Thoracic surgery · Burlington, Massachusetts
Elliot Servais, MD
Care for conditions of the lungs, esophagus, and chest.
A thoracic surgeon with a focus on cancer care, minimally invasive surgery, and helping patients understand their options.
Chair, Department of SurgeryLahey Clinic
Professor of SurgeryUMass Chan Medical School
Patient care
A focused practice.
A range of conditions.
Thoracic surgery addresses diseases of the lungs, esophagus, and other structures in the chest. Dr. Servais treats both cancerous and noncancerous conditions.
Esophageal cancer
Surgical treatment of cancer of the esophagus, including minimally invasive esophagectomy, as part of a coordinated cancer treatment plan.
Reflux, hernias & swallowing disorders
Care for gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), hiatal and paraesophageal hernias, and achalasia, a disorder that affects swallowing.
Other conditions of the chest
Care for tumors of the thymus and mediastinum, the space between the lungs, as well as conditions of the chest wall and pleura, the lining around the lungs.
Approach to care
The right plan begins
with the whole person.
Decisions about treatment bring together the diagnosis, the available evidence, your overall health, and what matters to you.
Understand the options
A consultation is an opportunity to discuss what is known, what needs clarification, and the benefits and risks of the available approaches.
Choose the approach thoughtfully
Robotic and other minimally invasive techniques are important tools. The operation and approach should fit the individual patient and condition.
Bring expertise together
Care at Lahey Clinic draws on collaboration among surgeons, pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, oncologists, and other specialists.
Understanding your care
A place to start
with your questions.
Clear explanations can help you prepare for a conversation with your care team.
Arrange a consultationDoes a lung nodule mean I have cancer?
A lung nodule is a small spot seen on an imaging scan. Many nodules are not cancer. The next step depends on its size, appearance, whether it has changed, and your medical history. Options may include another scan, additional testing, or a biopsy.
Learn more: Cleveland ClinicWhat does robotic surgery actually mean?
Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery. The surgeon controls the instruments from a console in the operating room; the system does not perform the operation independently. It can allow surgery through small incisions, but it is not the right approach for every patient or every operation. Recovery and risks depend on the procedure and your health.
Learn more: American Lung AssociationDoes reflux always require surgery?
No. Reflux can often be managed with changes in habits and medication. Surgery may be considered for selected patients based on symptoms, testing, response to other treatments, and preferences. A careful evaluation helps establish whether reflux is the cause of the symptoms and whether an operation is appropriate.
Learn more: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesHow can I prepare for a consultation?
Ask the office which records to send in advance, particularly imaging and reports from outside hospitals. Bring a current medication list and your questions. It can help to write down your symptoms, previous treatments, and what you most want to understand. You may also want someone you trust to join the conversation.
A useful question to ask: “What are my options, and why do you recommend this one?”
About Dr. Servais
A surgeon,
educator, and colleague.
Elliot Servais, MD, FACS, is Chair of the Department of Surgery at Lahey Clinic and Professor of Surgery at UMass Chan Medical School. His clinical practice focuses on thoracic oncology, esophageal disease, and minimally invasive surgery.
His academic work includes robotic surgical techniques, lung cancer screening, surgical outcomes, and education. He participates in training and mentoring surgeons and in collaborative efforts to improve the quality of surgical care.
He is board certified in surgery and thoracic surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and an elected member of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery.
View the Lahey physician profileEducation & training
- Medical educationBoston University
School of Medicine - General surgeryNewYork-Presbyterian /
Weill Cornell - Thoracic oncology researchMemorial Sloan Kettering
Cancer Center - Thoracic surgery fellowshipBrigham and Women’s Hospital - Harvard Medical School
For colleagues
Research & education.
Selected work on lung cancer care, surgical outcomes, and how surgeons learn. Dr. Servais is an author or coauthor of the publications below.
STS guidance for screen-detected lung nodules
A framework for decisions about interventions after lung cancer screening.
The Annals of Thoracic SurgeryComparing surgical approaches to lung segmentectomy
A study of trends and outcomes in surgery that removes a defined portion of the lung.
The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular SurgeryA framework for training in robotic thoracic surgery
STS consensus recommendations for a national curriculum, assessment, and feedback.
The Annals of Thoracic SurgeryVideo education
Surgical videos.
Explore operative techniques and teaching videos on robotic and thoracic surgery from Dr. Servais’s YouTube channel.
Videos include operative footage.
YouTube
Elliot Servais, MD, FACS
Thoracic surgery
Visit the YouTube channelAppointments & referrals
Start a conversation
about your care.
For a consultation, second opinion, or referral, contact the Cardiac & Thoracic Surgery office at Lahey Clinic.
781-744-8570 Lahey Clinic · Cardiac & Thoracic Surgery