Purpose: We aimed to determine whether the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with lesions 2 cm or less in diameter, was better than that of Stage Ia lung cancer having a diameter of more than 2 cm.
Methods: We reviewed 64 cases of NSCLC which were preoperatively diagnosed as TINOMO. The tumors were classified into 2 groups on the basis of a tumor diameter set at 2 cm. After comparison of background factors, we compared the prognoses of the groups and determined the prognostic factors in Stage IA 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 carcino-embryonic 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 2 cm. The present study revealed that the most important preoperative prognostic factor was serum CEA.