Thoracic Oncology & Surgery

Dr. Thamer Qaqish performs a ION Lung Biopsy Robotic Surgery at ECMC in Buffalo on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. (Photo by Mark Mulville)
Led by our Director of Thoracic Surgery, Dr. T. Robert Qaqish, is a highly skilled service in the Center that features many state-of-the-art cancer-related technologies, including the Ion endoluminal system, which is a robotic-assisted platform for minimally invasive biopsy in the lung that has broadened our capability at early detection and treatment of lung cancer, providing a much safer and faster way in diagnosing early-stage lung cancer.
Ion is made by Intuitive, the company that makes the da Vinci surgical system, and is built on more than two decades of leadership in robotic-assisted technology. We are truly thrilled to be a leader in this field and look forward to continuing to bring Western New York state-of-the-art healthcare services like minimally invasive lung nodule biopsy.
Conditions & Diseases
- Esophageal Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Mediastinal Masses (including Thymoma and Thymic Cancer)
- Mesothelioma
- Other aspects of thoracic surgery
Treatments & Procedures
- Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)
- Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
- Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS)
- Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)
Additional Info
LOCATION
The Barry & Deanna Snyder Dialysis
and Medical Office Building
Cancer Care, 2nd Floor
462 Grider Street
Buffalo, NY 14215
HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
CONTACT
Patient Info & Concerns
(716) 898-3381
Fax
(716) 961-6969
Additional Cancer Care Services
Breast Oncology
Directed by Dr. Vivian Lindfield, founder and director of Western New York Breast Health, the Center’s multi-specialty team delivers comprehensive, cutting-edge, and compassionate care to patients who have breast cancer—any type and stage—or are at risk of developing it.
Cervical Cancer Screening
Cervical Cancer Screening provides accessible, patient-centered screening and education to help detect cervical cancer early and support better health outcomes. ECMC emphasizes the importance of regular screening while ensuring patients feel informed, comfortable, and in control of their care.
Head & Neck Oncology
Our head and neck specialists, including surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and dental oncologists, are committed to delivering expert care in a compassionate manner.
Medical Oncology & Chemotherapy
The Jonah Center is a part of the Center for Cancer Care where cancer specialists offer expert chemotherapy, hematology, and other treatments that emphasize a comprehensive approach to cancer care.
Oral Oncology & Maxillofacial Prosthetics
Our team specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing oral cancers. We provide a range of services such as oral cancer screening, oral and maxillofacial surgery, cancer care side effect management, plastic and reconstructive surgery, and maxillofacial prosthetics.
Plastic Surgery & Reconstructive Surgery
For patients facing either abnormal function or appearance after trauma or illness, the Center offers specialty plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery to restore a sense of normalcy and wellness.
Supportive Oncology Services
ECMC’s Supportive Oncology Services are designed to provide patients with a full array of services as they continue their journey and ensure that every need they have is accounted for and provided with compassion and kindness.


