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Lung Cancer Imaging pp 69–78Cite as

Preoperative Evaluation for Lung Cancer Resection

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Part of the book series: Contemporary Medical Imaging ((CMI))

Abstract

Lung resection is the most effective available treatment for patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer. However, surgical resection can lead to a decrease in lung function. Patients with lung cancer may have concomitant lung disease secondary to tobacco smoking and a low tolerance to further loss in lung function. The objective of the preoperative evaluation for lung cancer resection is to identify those individuals whose short- and long-term morbidity and mortality would be unacceptably high if lung resection were to occur. Pulmonary function measures including the forced expiratory volume in 1 s and the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide are useful predictors of postoperative outcome. In patients with abnormal lung function, the assessment of exercise capacity can further clarify surgical risks. Those patients deemed high risk should be evaluated in a multidisciplinary setting with thoracic oncologic input prior to eliminating the option of surgery for cure. This chapter discusses the factors considered in the preoperative evaluation for lung resection and summarizes the available guidelines.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pulmonary and Sleep Center of the Valley, 1604 East 8th Street, Suite A, Weslaco, TX, 78596, USA

    Mario Gomez M.D.

  2. Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Suite 812-CSB, MSC 630, Charleston, SC, 29425-6300, USA

    Clayton J. Shamblin M.D. & Gerard A. Silvestri M.D., M.S.

Authors
  1. Mario Gomez M.D.
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  2. Clayton J. Shamblin M.D.
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  3. Gerard A. Silvestri M.D., M.S.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Gerard A. Silvestri M.D., M.S. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Radiology, Ashley Ave. 169, Charleston, 29425, South Carolina, USA

    James G. Ravenel

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Gomez, M., Shamblin, C.J., Silvestri, G.A. (2013). Preoperative Evaluation for Lung Cancer Resection. In: Ravenel, J. (eds) Lung Cancer Imaging. Contemporary Medical Imaging. Humana Press, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-620-7_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-620-7_6

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-60761-619-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-60761-620-7

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