Comparative oncological features of centrally and peripherally located small-sized radiologically solid-dominant non-small-cell lung cancer.

This study focused on comparing the oncological characteristics of centrally versus peripherally located small-sized (≤2 cm), radiologically solid-dominant clinical node-negative (cN0) non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Analyzing 1,240 patients who underwent lobectomy or segmentectomy, the researchers found that centrally located tumors had a significantly higher incidence of occult pathological N1 lymph node metastasis (pN1 upstaging) than peripheral tumors, although rates of pathological N2 metastasis (pN2), recurrence patterns, overall survival (OS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were similar between groups. The findings highlight the importance of thorough hilar lymph node dissection in centrally located small NSCLC to ensure accurate staging and local disease control, while complete anatomical resection with adequate margins yields comparable prognoses regardless of tumor location.