Invasive and noninvasive techniques of staging in potentially operable lung cancer

The author reviews the various noninvasive and invasive techniques for preoperatively staging patients with lung cancer who are potentially operable. The value of computed tomography and mediastinoscopy is emphasized and their role in treatment decisions is outlined. Prior to consideration of surgery in patients with lung cancer, preoperative staging, as accurate as possible, is required in order to determine the best treatment. Complete staging is only available after surgical resection and pathologic examination.