We based the criteria for surgical intervention on the guidelines of the European Society of Medical Oncology [10] and on the treatment protocols for bronchogenic cancer in our hospital [11], both of which are summarized in Table 1. Non-surgical treatment and follow-up of nodules <2 cm and of ground-glass opacifications were chosen because they were not a priority. Finally, all patients likely to have surgery were discussed in a multidisciplinary clinical session using redefined guidelines for surgical priority.