Visceral pleural invasion in lung cancer: recognizing histologic parameters that impact staging and prognosis.
Visceral pleural involvement (VPI) is a critical component in the staging of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Tumors < or =3 cm that involve the visceral pleura are classified as T2 lesions, underscoring the prognostic significance of this histologic parameter. Accurate staging of small NSCLCs depends on appropriately assessing the presence or absence of VPI. Elastic stains can be instrumental in detecting disruptions of the visceral pleural elastic layer by tumor, a finding that has prognostic and staging implications similar to tumor that is present on the visceral pleural surface.
Butnor
Kelly J
KJ
Department of Pathology, University of Vermont, Fletcher Allen Health Care, 111 Colchester Ave., MCHV Campus, Smith 246B, Burlington, VT 05401, USA. kelly.butnor@vtmednet.org
Cooper
Kumarasen
K
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000145:classification / Q000556:secondary*; D004547:Elastic Tissue / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary*; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014781:Viscera / Q000473:pathology*