Computed tomographic atlas for the new international lymph node map for lung cancer: A radiation oncologist perspective

Abstract

Purpose

To develop a reproducible definition for each mediastinal lymph node station based on the new TNM classification for lung cancer.

Methods and Materials

This paper proposes an atlas using the new international lymph node map used in the seventh edition of the TNM classification for lung cancer. Four radiation oncologists and 1 diagnostic radiologist were involved in the project to put forward a reproducible radiologic description for the lung lymph node stations.

Results

The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer lymph node definitions for stations 1 to 11 have been described and illustrated on axial computed tomographic scan images using a certified radiotherapy planning system.

Conclusions

This atlas will assist both diagnostic radiologists and radiation oncologists in accurately defining the lymph node stations on computed tomographic scan in patients diagnosed with lung cancer.