A mediastinoscopy is a procedure used to examine the mediastinum. This is the space behind the breastbone (sternum) in the middle of the chest, between the 2 lungs. It contains:
- Lymph nodes
- The heart and its great vessels
- The trachea
- The esophagus
- The thymus gland
This area can be examined with a mediastinoscope. This is a long, thin, flexible tube that has a light and a tiny camera. It lets you see the organs and structures of the mediastinum.
The procedure is most often done to remove enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes noted on a contrast enhanced CT scan of the chest. The nodes are examined to arrive at a diagnosis, so that appropriate treatment can be given.
The commonest causes for enlarged mediastinal nodes are:
- Tuberculosis
- Lymphoma
- Lung cancer
- Sarcoidosis
Mediastinoscopy will give access to Stations 1, 2R, 2L, A, 4R, AL 5,6 and 7 lymph node sampling