Lymph node staging is one of the most important factors determining the prognosis of resected non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the other being an R0 resection. Pathologic lymph node (pN) assessment is more accurate than clinical assessment,¹ and the thoroughness of pN examination affects the prognostic value. As Asamura et al² point out, the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer noted differences in prognosis for pN classification depending on geographic location. No universally accepted guidelines exist for what constitutes an adequate (thorough) pN examination. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends a minimum of 3 or more mediastinal nodal stations, the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer recommends 10 total lymph nodes regardless of station, and the Union for International Cancer Control seventh edition recommends 6 total nodes, 3 from N1 and 3 from N2 stations.

淋巴结分期是决定切除的非小细胞肺癌 (NSCLC) 预后的最重要因素之一，另一个是 R0 切除。病理淋巴结 (pN) 评估比临床评估更准确，¹并且 pN 检查的彻底性影响预后价值。Asamura 等人²国际肺癌研究协会指出，pN 分类的预后因地理位置而异。对于充分（彻底）pN 检查的构成，没有普遍接受的指南。美国国家综合癌症网络建议至少 3 个或更多纵隔淋巴结站，美国外科医生协会癌症委员会建议 10 个总淋巴结，无论站，国际癌症控制联盟第七版建议 6 个总淋巴结，3 个来自 N1和 3 个来自 N2 站。