Lobectomy for indeterminate lung tumors with a strong suspicion of lung cancer.

Wedge resection for tissue diagnosis of indeterminate lung tumors that is strongly suspected of being lung cancer, is sometimes difficult, and lobectomy, followed by a thorough pathological examination, is required. In the present report, four cases are presented, and the following indications, which have never been discussed before, are recommended for lobectomy without a pre-resectional diagnosis. First, where larger tumors are involved, and lobectomy is expected to result in a more favorable patient status and second, where the lesions are deeply located near major pulmonary vessels, or the patient is not a candidate for wedge resection or segmental resection. In each case, tolerance to surgery and detailed, informed consent for potentially complete resection are mandatory.