Current applications of imaging procedures in the patient with lung cancer.

The primary role of imaging procedures in the patient with lung cancer should be focused on staging and follow-up challenges. The role of imaging procedures in the detection of the patient at risk for primary lung cancer remains limited and cannot be recommended at present. There is no significant difference between the yield of CT and MR in this patient group, with the possible exception of a more specific role for MR when questions are raised concerning hilar lymph node involvement and mediastinal compartmental invasion. The main role of cross-sectional imaging techniques should be in the avoidance of unnecessary surgical procedures, identifying the unresectable patient prior to exploratory thoracotomy. It should be emphasized that all radiographic abnormalities are non-specific and must be histologically verified before presuming that an abnormal lymph node or large adrenal gland contains metastatic lung cancer.