Role of imaging in diagnosis, staging and follow-up of lung cancer.
OBJECTIVE
Primary lung cancer is still the number one cause of cancer death worldwide. Screening, detection and staging of lung cancer are important because the only potentially curative therapy today is surgical resection of early-stage lung cancer.


RESULTS
Different imaging techniques can be used in these different processes. Recent advances in computed tomography (CT) technology have allowed investigation of novel methods for the evaluation of lung cancer. Recent advances in magnetic resonance technology and administration of contrast media have further improved the image quality and diagnostic capability of magnetic resonance. Positron emission tomography (PET)/CT has been shown to be superior to stand-alone PET or CT in the evaluation of lymph nodes and in the detection of distant metastases.


CONCLUSIONS
The current recommended imaging required for lung cancer staging is CT of the thorax and PET/CT from skull base to mid-thigh. However, with the recent developments in the armamentarium of imaging techniques, the choice of one of these techniques can be directed by the presence of a technique in a local hospital and/or by the presence of an experienced person at that time.
Radiology Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Walter
W
De Wever
Johny
J
Verschakelen
Johan
J
Coolen
D055088:Early Detection of Cancer / Q000379:methods*; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000175:diagnosis; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000379:methods; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000379:methods; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18