STAGING INTRATHORACIC NON-SMALL-CELL LUNG-CANCER

This article outlines the ability of imaging techniques to stage intra thoracic non-small-cell lung cancer, particularly the extent of primar y tumour (T stage), and the presence of nodal metastases (N stage). Th e detection of hilar and mediastinal lymph-node metastases by CT is co vered initially, followed by an appraisal of MRI and radionuclide imag ing techniques. Finally, the evaluation of mediastinal and chest-wall invasion by CT and MRI is described, and note is made of developing ap plications of ultrasound and endosonography. Computed tomography remai ns the standard technique, but its limitations are discussed, as is th e value of other complementary imaging techniques.