Endoscopic and endobronchial ultrasonography according to the proposed lymph node map definition in the seventh edition of the tumor, node, metastasis classification for lung cancer

Abstract

Accurate assessment of lymph node involvement is a critical step in patients with non-small cell lung cancer in the absence of distant metastases. The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer has proposed a new lymph node map, which provides precise anatomic definitions for all intrathoracic lymph nodes. Transoesophageal endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration and endobronchial ultrasound with transbronchial needle aspiration are two minimally invasive techniques that are increasingly implemented in the staging of non-small cell lung cancer. Therefore, recognition of the proposed anatomic borders by these techniques is very relevant for an accurate clinical staging. We here discuss the reach and limits of endoscopic ultrasound in the precise delineation and approach of the intrathoracic lymph nodes according to the new lymph node map for the seventh edition of the tumor, node, metastasis classification for lung cancer. © 2009 by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer.