A novel approach to positron emission tomography in lung cancer.

F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography computed tomography is integral to the staging of lung cancer. We describe the combined use of diagnostic preoperative F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography, intraoperative F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose handheld gamma probe detection, and immediate postoperative F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography patient and specimen imaging for improved staging and determination of adequacy of mediastinal lymph node dissection.