[Diagnosis and staging of thoracic tumors]

During the last 5 years researches, studies, training and practical experiences in both fields of diagnosis and therapy have been carried out with the specific aim to promote and support thoracic surgery in hospital departments where general surgery is mainly performed. Criteria and methods suggested as guidelines for the diagnosis and staging of thoracic neoplasms are herein shortly described. This phase has gained fundamental importance due also to the more and more frequent use of integrated therapy. The article reports the problems related to the III A-B stage of NSCLC, to the differential diagnosis between thymoma and lymphoma in mediastinal masses as well as the problems related to the diagnosis of mesothelioma. It is also acknowledged the great importance of VTS during the diagnostic phase, and in solving many thoracic problems.