Mediastinoscopy

Why It Is Done

Mediastinoscopy is done to:

• Detect problems of the lungs and mediastinum, such as sarcoidosis.
• Diagnose lung cancer or lymphoma (including Hodgkin's disease). Mediastinoscopy is often done to check lymph nodes in the mediastinum before considering lung removal surgery to treat lung cancer. Mediastinoscopy can also help your doctor recommend the best treatment (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) for lung cancer.
• Diagnose certain types of infection, especially those that can affect the lungs (such as tuberculosis).

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Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: March 10, 2009
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine R. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care, Medical Toxicology
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