These results provide preliminary evidence that STAS could be considered as a factor in a staging system to predict prognosis more precisely, especially in ADCs larger than 2 to 3 cm.

Background The localization of multiple pulmonary nodules is challenging due to a high incidence of pneumothorax after each needle insertion into lung parenchyma. The aim of the current study is to verify the safety and effectiveness of a modified technique utilizing simultaneous Hookwire placement to localize multiple lesions. Methods The proposed method comprises a row of metal wires, perpendicular insertion, simultaneous release of Hookwire, and a lateral position to modify a conventional localizing technique. From January 2015 to August 2016, 23 patients were subjected to the modified technique group (Group A), while 53 patients in the conventional group (Group B). Success rates, procedural parameters, and complications were recorded and analyzed. Results Compared with Group B, Group A had higher success rate of lesion (96.7% vs 83.5%, P = 0.009), lower numbers of CT scans (2.91 vs 5.59, P < 0.001), shorter procedure duration (13.83 minutes vs 22.68 minutes, P < 0.001), and shorter distance between localizers and lesions (4.88 vs 6.29, P = 0.006). The incidence of pneumothorax in Group A was lower (21.8% vs 54.7%, P = 0.008), while lung hemorrhage was not significantly different ( P = 0.735). Lesion number and pneumothorax were risk factors for failure in multiple localizations. Conclusions The modified Hookwire placement technique was feasible and successful, which was associated with fewer computed tomography scans, shorter procedure duration, and a lower incidence of pneumothorax.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between lymph node micrometastasis and histologic patterns of adenocarcinoma, with a particular focus on their joint effect on prognosis. We retrospectively reviewed 235 patients with stage I adenocarcinoma from January 2009 to December 2009. Lymph node micrometastasis was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratin (AE1/AE3) and thyroid transcription factor-1. A logistic regression model was applied to confirm the predictive factors of micrometastasis. Survival analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of micrometastasis on prognosis. Lymph node micrometastasis was observed in 35 patients (15%). Patients with micrometastasis had significantly worse recurrence-free survival (P<0.001) and overall survival (P<0.001) compared with those without micrometastasis. Micropapillary component was confirmed as an independent predictor of increased frequency of micrometastasis (P<0.001). Among 62 patients with adenocarcinoma with a micropapillary component, 23 (37%) had lymph node micrometastasis. Micropapillary-positive/micrometastasis-positive patients had significantly worse survival compared with micropapillary-positive/micrometastasis-negative patients (RFS, P=0.039; OS, P=0.002) and micropapillary-negative patients (recurrence-free survival, P<0.001; overall survival, P<0.001). Moreover, the presence of micrometastasis correlated with a higher risk of locoregional recurrence (P=0.031) rather than distant recurrence (P=0.456) in micropapillary-positive patients. In summary, lymph node micrometastasis was more frequently observed in adenocarcinoma with a micropapillary component. Moreover, lymph node micrometastasis could provide helpful prognostic information in patients with resected stage I lung adenocarcinoma with a micropapillary component; thus, immunohistochemical detection of micrometastatic tumor cells in lymph nodes should be recommended.