Thoracic surgical plain radiographic and computed tomography pathology

Imaging plays a central role in the diagnosis and management of thoracic pathology and in staging thoracic malignancy. Both ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) are used for image-guided biopsies and aspiration and drainage of pleural effusions, thus avoiding the need for more invasive procedures. Positron emission tomography-CT is now a part of the routine work-up for all cases of lung cancer where radical treatment is being planned. This article aims to review the role of imaging in the management of a selection of thoracic surgical pathologies.