Recurrence Patterns in Patients With Early Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers Undergoing Positive Pleural Lavage Cytology

PLC is a distinct prognostic factor for early stage lung carcinomas. Thus, we suggest that cytologic examination of PLC should be routine, even for patients with stage I NSCLCs before beginning lung resection. Moreover, curative resection, followed by adjuvant systemic therapy, could be necessary for improvement of outcome.