- Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common malignancy worldwide and a leading cause of cancer death. It accounts for the majority (70-80%) of lung cancers.
- Imaging techniques like CT scans are important for accurately assessing the primary tumor and detecting metastasis. Positron emission tomography (PET) CT is more sensitive than size-based criteria alone for detecting lymph node involvement.
- Staging involves classifying the size and extent of the primary tumor and determining if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or distant organs. Higher stages indicate larger primary tumors or spread beyond the lungs.