Pitfalls and Limitations in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Staging

Computed tomography (CT), ¹⁸F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/ computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and minimally invasive procedures such as endobronchial ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EBUS-FNA) and mediastinoscopy have increased the accuracy of clinical staging of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Typically CT is used to assess the anatomic extent of the disease and optimally evaluates the primary tumor, FDG-PET improves the detection of nodal and extrathoracic metastatic disease and MR imaging can be used to evaluate tumor extension into the chest wall and brachial plexus 1.
Source: Seminars in Roentgenology - Category: Radiology Authors: Source Type: research