The purpose of this study is to see if different types of surgery for lung cancer have different effects on quality of life and pain. What we learn from this study may help us find new ways to improve the quality of life of lung cancer patients who have surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with histologically confirmed or suspected clinical stage I non small cell lung cancer (including carcinoid tumors) based on standard staging (CT, PET, ± mediastinoscopy).
• Patients offered a VATS anatomic lung resection or a standard, posterolateral thoracotomy and anatomic lung resection at MSKCC.
• Patients cannot have had prior therapy, including surgery for the current lesion, systemic chemotherapy or external beam radiotherapy.
• KPS ≥ 70.
• Synchronous primaries within one lobe.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who have already undergone the planned operation.
• Patients who cannot tolerate segmentectomy or lobectomy.
• Patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease found either preoperatively or at the time of operation.
• Patients who are non- English speaking
• Patients with multi-focal disease
• Patients with con-current cancers
• Patients with benign disease.
• Patients who are unwilling or unable to return to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for postoperative follow-up for the first year following their operation.

MSKCC Clinics