Table 1 Management of PET-positive hilar lymph nodes

France

Positive hilar lymph nodes of normal size are not considered pathologic. Since they are generally associated with other lymph node sites, a neoadjuvant chemotherapy is provided. if right-sided location: removed at time of EC surgery; if left-sided location: cytological verification required and if positive: included in the radiation field

Netherlands

FNA/Biopsy: if malignant, usually considered to be distant metastases

Germany

The radiation portals are modified to include the PET-positive nodes

Austria

Treated if tumour location is in the middle third of the oesophagus and nodes are enlarged on CT

Switzerland

If positive lymph nodes are small (<1.5 cm) and patient is a smoker, no further investigations recommended. If the lymph nodes are larger and without other plausible cause, FNA is performed. If positive, included in radiotherapy field.