Extended Resections for Lung Cancer

Nonsmall cell lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States and worldwide. Locally advanced lung cancer that invades adjacent organs typically has a poor prognosis. Historically, this type of lung cancer was not treated surgically. However, long-term survival of locally advanced lung cancer without surgical resection is not common. Over the past several years, improvements in imaging, surgical technique, perioperative care and advances in other complementary treatment modalities such as chemotherapy and radiation have led to more aggressive resections with curative intent. This chapter reviews assessment, staging, surgical strategies, and outcomes for surgical resection of lung cancer invading the chest wall, vertebral body, great vessels, and other adjacent structures.