Related factors of N2 lymph node metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer and selection of lymph node dissection

Abstract

Objective To analyze the related factors of lymph node metastasis in N2 group of patients with non-small cell lung cancer, and found its meaning for lymph node dissection. Methods A retrospective analysis was made on 110 patients with non-small cell lung cancer from July 2014 to May 2016 in our thoracic surgery department. Potential related factors were collected, single factor analysis and variate analysis were carried out to find the relationship between N2 lymph node metastasis and potential related factors. Results Univariate analysis showed that the longest diameter of the tumor >2 cm (P=0.016), lymph node imaging (P=0.021), pleural involvement (P=0.002) were related factors of lymph node metastasis in N2 group, and these three factors were independent related factors of lymph node metastasis in N2 group. Conclusions The longest diameter of the tumor, lymph node imaging and pleural involvement are related factors of N2 lymph node metastasis. Systematic lymph node dissection is strongly recommended for patients with three related factors at the same time. Key words: Carcinoma, non-small-cell lung; Lymphatic metastasis; Risk factors; Lymph node excision