Treatment recommendations by clinicians in stage I non-small cell lung cancer: better work-up leads to less discussion

The current standard of care for stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) [small tumours of <4–5 cm (depending on the previous or latest TNM classification)] without hilar or mediastinal nodal involvement) is surgical resection (preferably VATS lobectomy), as advocated by all professional guidelines (NCCN; ACCP grade 1B and ESMO grade 3A recommendation), if the patient is medically operable and willing to accept surgical risk (1-3).