[Chest CT and its assessment of resectability in lung cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate chest CT and its relation to possible surgical resection in lung cancer patients.

METHODS: Ninty-five patients who were diagnosed and confirmed as having lung cancers by surgery and pathology were divided into three groups: (1) Radical resection group; (2) Palliative resection group and (3) Thoractomy group. The diameter of the tumor, the proximity to mediastinum and/or the hilum and the invasion of their lymph nodes were measured. Meanwhile, the changes in the mediastinum and thoracic cavity on the chest CT were noted in these three groups.

RESULTS: The diameter of the tumor in each group was 4.10 +/- 1.75, 3.90 +/- 1.20, 5.20 +/- 3.66 (cm, mean +/- s, P > 0.05). The proximity to the mediastinum and/or the hilum and the invasion of their lymph nodes was 2.68 +/- 1.60, 4.02 +/- 1.56, 4.85 +/- 3.28 (cm, mean +/- s, P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The characteristic change in the thoractomy group is deformity in the lymph nodes in the mediastinum and hilum.

CONCLUSION: There is no obvious relation between the diameter of the lumg tumor and surgical resection, but the proximity to the mediastinum and/or the hilum and the invasion of their lymph nodes is an important factor. It is possible to perform a radical resection when its contact is less than 2.68 +/- 1.60 cm. Obvious deformity of the mediastinal structures and the hilum is a contraindication for lung cancer surgery.