Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
mediastinoscopy
A minimally invasive surgical procedure to examine and biopsy lymph nodes in the mediastinum for cancer staging.
Full Definition
Mediastinoscopy involves inserting a thin, lighted tube through a small incision above the breastbone to visualize the mediastinal space. This procedure is crucial for accurate staging of lung cancer, particularly for assessing N2 and N3 lymph node involvement. It has largely been supplemented by endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) in many centers but remains important for cases where EBUS is non-diagnostic.
Usage
Usage note: Not to be confused with mediastinotomy, which is a different surgical approach through the chest.
In Context
- "Mediastinoscopy revealed metastatic disease in stations 4R and 7." — Surgical report
- "The patient underwent mediastinoscopy for tissue confirmation before definitive treatment." — Clinical note
Also known as
cervical mediastinoscopy
Don't confuse with
mediastinotomy
thoracoscopy