Radioisotope lymph node mapping in nonsmall cell lung cancer: can it be applicable for sentinel node biopsy?

Background: Previous studies on intrathoracic lymph node mapping have focused on the validity of a sentinel node concept, but not on the usefulness for sentinel node biopsy.

Methods: The subjects were 15 patients clinically diagnosed with N0 nonsmall cell lung cancer. Technetium-99m tin colloid was injected into the peritumoral area 1 day preoperatively and a time course of tracer migration was monitored by scintigraphy.

Independent predictive value of the overall number of metastatic N1 and N2 stations in lung cancer.

Objective: The number of metastatic N2 stations is a known prognostic factor in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, involvement of N1 stations as well as that of N2 stations seems to be important in the prognosis of these patients. We therefore attempt to clarify the significance of the total number of metastatic stations in pathologic N1 and N2 NSCLCs.

Diclofenac (Voltaren)-induced pneumonitis after chest operation.

We report a rare case of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced pneumonitis in a 72-year-old man taking diclofenac for wound pain after pulmonary resection. The pneumonitis and pleural effusion were predominant on the operative side and resolved rapidly after the diclofenac was discontinued. The diagnosis of drug-induced pneumonitis was based on a lymphocyte stimulation test that was positive for diclofenac sodium and negative for other drugs.