Re-appraisal of N2 disease by lymphatic drainage pattern for non-small-cell lung cancers: By terms of nodal stations, zones, chains, and a composite

By combining the three N2 stratification methods based on “stations”, “zones”, and “chains” into one composite method, prognosis prediction was more accurate for N2 NSCLC disease. Single nodal chain involvement, which may be either one or two nodal stations metastasis, is associated with best outcome for pN2 patients.