MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Mediastinoscopy with biopsy

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Mediastinoscopy with biopsy

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition How the test is performed How to prepare for the test How the test will feel	Why the test is performed Normal Values What abnormal results mean What the risks are

Illustrations

Mediastinum

Definition Return to top

The mediastinum is the space that separates the 2 lungs and contains the heart, thymus, esophagus, trachea, the large blood vessels, and lymph nodes. A mediastinoscopy is a procedure in which a lighted instrument (mediastinoscope) is inserted through a neck incision to visually examine the structures in the top of the chest cavity.

Most commonly this procedure is used to examine lymph nodes in a patient with lung cancer, for disease staging purposes. A sample (biopsy) may be taken with the mediastinoscope.

How the test is performed Return to top

This procedure is done in the hospital. You will be given a general anesthesia. An endotracheal tube is inserted. An incision is made in the neck and the mediastinoscope is inserted through this incision into the mid-part of the chest. Tissue samples are taken, usually of the lymph nodes surrounding the airway. The scope is then withdrawn, and the incision is closed with stitches.

How to prepare for the test Return to top

You must sign an informed consent form. You will not be able to have food or fluid for 8 hours before the test.

For infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this procedure depends on your child's age and experience. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:

Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel Return to top

You will be unconscious during the procedure. There will be some tenderness at the site of the incision afterward. You may have a sore throat after the test.

Why the test is performed Return to top

This procedure is used in diagnosing a variety of diseases when other tests such as sputum cytology, lung scans, radiography, and bronchoscopic biopsies do not provide a diagnosis. It is also used to assist in the staging of lung cancer.

Normal Values Return to top

There are no abnormal lymph node tissues.

What abnormal results mean Return to top

Abnormal findings may indicate lung cancer, tuberculosis, the spread of disease from one body part to another, sarcoidosis (a disease that causes nodules, usually affecting the lungs, lymphoma (abnormalities in the lymph tissues), and Hodgkin's disease.

What the risks are Return to top

There is a risk of puncture of the esophagus, trachea, or the blood vessels, which in some circumstances can lead to potentially fatal bleeding.

Update Date: 4/13/2004

Updated by: John A. Daller, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.