Diagnosis and Staging of Lung Cancer: A Minimally Invasive Approach

Describes the pros the pros and cons of various (newer as well as traditional) minimally invasive techniques, their interplay, complementary advantages, suggested algorithms for application of these techniques. It will guide the clinician to answering the many unanswered questions as well as directions for future research.

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There have been many recent advances in the last decade for minimally invasive image guided techniques for diagnosis and staging of lung cancer such as VATS (video assisted thoracic surgery), endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle aspiration and endobronchial ultrasound with fine needle aspiration. Today's clinicians that take care of patients with known or suspected lung cancer have a panel of image-guided techniques available to them. The application as well as sequential selection of these techniques for optimal diagnosis and staging can get confusing. This handbook will describe the pros the pros and cons of various (newer as well as traditional) minimally invasive techniques, their interplay, complementary advantages, suggested algorithms for application of these techniques. It will guide the clinician to answering the many unanswered questions as well as directions for future research. The handbook will be very timely for thoracic surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, pulmonologists, radiologists and any other physician or allied health professional (Physician Assistants, Nurse Clinicians, Advanced Practice Nurses etc.) involved in the care of patients with lung cancer. The editors of the book will be from disciplines of medicine, surgery and radiology providing their varied expertise and balance in creating this work.