Definition
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
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 The scope is then withdrawn, and the incision is closed with stitches.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
You must sign an informed consent form. You will not be able to have food or fluid for 8 hours before the test.
How the test will feel
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
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
There are no abnormal lymph node tissues.
What abnormal results mean
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
There is a risk of puncture of the esophagus, trachea, or the blood vessels, which in some circumstances can lead to potentially fatal bleeding.
Special considerations
Images
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's
accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous
standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and
services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial
policy, editorial
process, and privacy
policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch.)
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment
of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional 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.
©1997-2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or
distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.