Breathlessness that is getting progressively worse, that has appeared without an obvious cause, or that previous investigations have not explained, warrants a specialist chest assessment. Most thoracic causes are identifiable and treatable — including some conditions patients have previously been told cannot be helped further. Dr Lawrence Okiror, Consultant Thoracic and Robotic Surgeon (GMC 6150382), reviews cases personally at London Bridge Hospital within 2–3 days. Where cancer is found, every case is discussed with a specialist team before any decision is made. No GP referral required.
Last reviewed: April 2026 · Dr Lawrence Okiror FRCS(CTh) FRCSEd(CTh) · GMC 6150382
The thoracic causes of breathlessness — fluid around the lung, emphysema, collapsed lung, raised diaphragm — are all identifiable on CT scan. Many are highly treatable, including conditions patients have sometimes been told have no further options.
If you have been told there is nothing more that can be done for your breathlessness, a specialist thoracic surgical assessment is worth having. Options such as endobronchial valve therapy and lung volume reduction surgery are not available at every centre.
Every cancer case is discussed at the London Bridge Hospital chest MDT, attended fortnightly by Dr Okiror alongside specialist oncologists. Urgent cases have direct access to specialist colleagues between meetings. No decision is made by a single doctor alone.
If your breathlessness is getting progressively worse, has come on without an obvious cause, or has appeared alongside other symptoms — a cough, chest pain, weight loss — a specialist assessment is the right next step. If previous investigations found nothing and it is still worsening, a fresh review is also worth having.
Not necessarily. Endobronchial valve therapy and lung volume reduction surgery are specialist options not available at every centre. Dr Okiror is the sole designated operator for both at GSTT, which holds NHS England national commissioning for these procedures. Private assessment is available within 2–3 days. Emphysema treatment →
Dr Okiror takes a full history and reviews any existing imaging personally. Bring any CT scans, chest X-rays, or lung function tests you have already had — this avoids duplication and means you get an informed assessment at the first appointment. Most patients leave with a clear working diagnosis or a specific next investigation planned.
No. You can contact the practice directly and be seen within 2–3 days at London Bridge Hospital. Bring any existing investigations. New consultations from £250. Most major insurers accepted.
Many causes of breathlessness are not thoracic — heart failure, anaemia, anxiety, deconditioning. A thoracic surgeon focuses specifically on chest causes. All of the following are identifiable on CT scan and most are treatable.
A build-up of fluid between the lung and the chest wall — called a pleural effusion — pushes the lung inward and causes breathlessness, often with a cough. It is visible on CT and straightforward to drain. Analysis of the fluid identifies the underlying cause and guides the next step. Pleural disease →
When emphysema reaches its limit with inhalers, specialist options exist. The nationally commissioned GSTT Advanced Emphysema Surgical Service offers endobronchial valve therapy and lung volume reduction surgery — procedures Dr Okiror is the sole designated operator for at both GSTT and London Bridge Hospital. Emphysema treatment →
A pneumothorax causes sudden breathlessness and chest pain. Recurrent pneumothorax is a surgical problem — keyhole surgery stabilises the lung and prevents further collapses. In women of reproductive age, the timing in relation to the menstrual cycle should always be established. Pneumothorax →
A raised or paralysed diaphragm reduces the space available for the lung to expand, causing breathlessness particularly on lying flat or during exertion. Where the functional impact is significant, diaphragm plication surgery restores the correct position and improves breathing capacity. Diaphragm conditions →
A growing tumour in the lung or airways can cause progressive breathlessness. Finding a thoracic cancer early — when breathlessness may be the first symptom — gives significantly more treatment options including keyhole surgery and targeted therapies. Lung nodule & cancer →
Scarring of the pleural lining — from previous infection, asbestos exposure, or inflammation — restricts the lung's ability to expand. Asbestos-related pleural disease and mesothelioma are managed through the pleural disease service at GSTT and London Bridge Hospital. Pleural disease →
Every cancer case is discussed with a multidisciplinary team of specialist oncologists at the London Bridge Hospital chest MDT, which Dr Okiror attends fortnightly. Where a case needs urgent discussion, Dr Okiror has direct access to specialist colleagues outside the formal MDT — so no patient waits a fortnight for a decision that cannot wait. Finding a cancer early, when breathlessness may be the first symptom, means significantly more treatment options are available.
Questions most commonly asked by patients and families when breathlessness is getting worse or has not been explained.
Book an Assessment →Or call Jo Mitchelson:
020 7952 2882
No GP referral required. Private appointments at London Bridge Hospital within 2–3 days. Bring any existing investigations. Dr Okiror reviews everything personally and gives a clear, honest assessment at the first appointment.
Jo Mitchelson, Private PA · 020 7952 2882 · pa@lungsurgeon.co.uk
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