Summary of Key Points Many meta-analyses, outcomes and matched cohort studies demonstrate equal long-term outcomes for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and open lobectomy. Matched comparisons generally demonstrate equal long-term survival for VATS versus open lobectomy for lung cancer, suggesting that…
Summary of Key Points Predicted postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 second (ppoFEV 1 ) has been shown to be inaccurate in predicting actual postoperative FEV 1 in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It should not be used…
Summary of Key Points Size counts: From less than or equal to 1-cm to less than or equal to 5-cm tumor size, every centimeter has prognostic impact and separates into different T categories, and tumors greater than 5 cm but…
Summary of Key Points Staging of the mediastinum is a key component in the evaluation of patients with lung cancer and includes both preoperative and intraoperative components. The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer lymph node map provides…
Summary of Key Points In the context of disease confined to the chest, mediastinal staging is crucial for determining the best curative treatment strategy, especially for nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Urgent referral for chest imaging is recommended for patients…
Summary of Key Points 18 F-2-deoxy- d -glucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET–CT) is routinely used clinically for diagnosis, staging, and radiation treatment planning and may have a role in prognosis and monitoring of treatment response. FDG-PET–CT is not optimal…
Summary of Key Points Low-dose multidetector computed tomography (CT) screening of active and former heavy smokers has been shown to decrease lung cancer mortality. The malignant potential of solid pulmonary nodules depends on their size, with larger nodules more likely…
Summary of Key Points Most people with lung cancer are symptomatic at the time of initial presentation; however, between 5% and 15% of people may be asymptomatic. Alarming symptoms for lung cancer like cough, hemoptysis, dyspnea, chest pain and weight…
Summary of Key Points Techniques for the optimal triage and preparation of small specimens for diagnosis and ancillary studies are provided. For optimal results, a standardized protocol and algorithm should be implemented in the laboratory. Various factors determine the decision…
Summary of Key Points Of key importance is whether a prognostic marker is also a predictive marker for therapeutic benefit. As predictive biomarkers become integral in the use of targeted therapies to treat lung cancer, multidisciplinary and evidence-based guidelines for…