Abstract

Introduction: The N2 /IIIA Non small cell Lung cancer is a heterogenous group of patients with many differences within the stage that warrant different treatment strategies and have an individual prognosis that varies depending on the size, site and number of lymph node stations involved. Method: Review of the pertinent current literature on the identification of the various subsets of N2 disease and their management and prognosis. Discussion: Define the spectrum of N2 disease and characterize the subsets within the stage. Highlight the different management strategies and prognosis of the various N2 scenarios that are commonly seen. Examine the evidence for restaging after neoadjuvant therapy and the modalities that may be used. Summary: A concise outline of the subsets within the N2/IIIA stage with their evidence based treatment and survival.

Keywords: Ipsilateral mediastinal lymph node, positron emission tomography, Computed tomography scanning, endoscopic ultrasound, N2 Disease, Platinum-based therapy