John- There are all sorts of different types of surgeries that can be performed on the chest. VATS is one way to access cancer that does not involve opening up the chest and spreading ribs.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/video-assisted-thoracic-surgery/about/pac-20384922
Can I help you do some research? Do you have specific questions or do you not know what to ask? (like I was, and still sometimes don't!)
Merry