In 2023, Katia Santos was diagnosed with a carcinoid tumor in her lung, causing obstruction of part of her airway. Carcinoid tumors are a rare type of slow-growing cancer. Katia had been told at her local hospital that she would need a highly invasive surgical procedure to remove her entire lung through a large incision, which can have a lengthy recovery and severe impact on long-term quality of life.
Katia decided to seek a second opinion from the renowned experts in the Division of Thoracic Surgery at Boston Medical Center. Although lung carcinoid tumors are uncommon, Katia felt at ease from the first appointment she had with Dr. Christopher Digesu. He explained that he would remove the tumor in her left lung and airway using minimally invasive, robot-assisted thoracic surgery. This allowed him to sew the airway and ultimately spare part of her lung.
"Dr. Digesu told me about all the technologies they were going to use at BMC, and that the risks were much lower than what the other hospital had offered," says Katia. She decided to pursue treatment at BMC, but admits she was scared. "It's only me and my daughter here in America," she explains. "I believe in God, which helped, but I was still really afraid. Dr. Digesu was attentive and patient, and he explained everything to me several times. He really helped me remain calm. The only thing I have to say is, 'thank you.'"
On January 18, Katia underwent a successful seven-hour surgery. Because of the less-invasive surgical technique, she was able to get home within two days to her 25-year-old daughter, Raiane. "Katia's case highlights the state-of-the-art approaches to thoracic tumors offered at BMC, which improve outcomes and shorten recovery time," says Dr. Digesu.
Today, Katia is feeling great and has this advice for anyone facing a diagnosis like hers: "Trust in your medical team and yourself. Fight for your life and for what you want!"