Surgery for non-small cell lung cancer with unsuspected metastasis to ipsilateral mediastinal or subcarinal nodes (N2 disease)

Abstract

We conclude that resection is justified in patients with unforeseen N2 disease. Rigorous staging of the mediastinum by cervical mediastinoscopy or anterior mediastinotomy results in a high resectability rate and avoids unnecessary thoracotomies. Mediastinoscopy plays a central role in the staging of patients with carcinoma of the lung.