Tumor size does not have prognostic significance in stage Ia NSCLC

Purpose: We aimed to determine whether the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with lesions 2cm or less in diameter was better than that of Stage Ia lung cancer having a diameter of move than 2cm. Methods: We reviewed 64 cases of NSCLC which were preoperatively diagnosed as TlNOMO. The tumors were classified into 2 groups on the basis of a tumor diameter set at 2cm. After comparison of background factors, we compared the prognoses of the groups and determined the prognostic factors in Stage LA NSCLC. Results: No differences were observed in the survival rate between the 2 groups. Statistically significant factors for the survival period in Stage IA NSCLC were serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), residual tumor condition and lymph node metastasis. Those cases where CEA was abnormal were all in Stage II or inllmore advanced stage. Conclusion: It is not justifiable to sub-classify Stage IA NSCLC on the basis of a tumor diameter of 2cm. The present study revealed that the most important preoperative prognostic factor was serum CEA.