Issues in the management of chest malignancies.

Opinions can vary as to the best method of treatment for specific types of chest malignancies. If the pulmonologist is to make the primary treatment decision regarding a complicated chest malignancy, he or she must be aware of both the surgical and nonsurgical treatment options. This awareness includes knowledge of applicable surgical procedures, complications, and expected results. Chest malignancies in this category include clinically advanced lung cancer, superior sulcus tumors, chest wall invasion by lung cancer, and malignant mesothelioma. The pulmonologist should also be familiar with the indications and results of limited resection for malignancy.