Evidence-based Imaging in Lung Cancer

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22914125

J Thorac Imaging. 2012 Sep;27(5):315-24.

Evidence-based Imaging in Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review.

Ravenel JG.

Source

Department of Radiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC.

Abstract

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. To assess prognosis, optimize treatment, and avoid potentially harmful futile treatments it is critical to have a complete understanding of the tumor's histology, molecular characteristics, and stage at the time of diagnosis. From the radiologist's perspective, the goal is to provide as accurate a stage as possible before the use of minimally invasive or invasive procedures to guide the site of biopsy and confirm a final pathologic stage. This article reviews the evidence behind the imaging technologies used in the staging evaluation of lung cancer.