Abstract
The accuracy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) staging is fundamental for the management of lung cancer patients. Visceral pleural invasion (VPI) is a poor prognostic factor in NSCLC. Its presence results in upstaging of tumours <3 cm according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM staging system. However, the role of VPI as an independent prognostic factor in tumours <7 cm is unclear.