mediastinoscopy
mediastinoscopy (say "mee-dee-yass-tuh-naw-skuh-pee") is a procedure that looks at the space behind your breastbone between your lungs. this area is called the mediastinum (say "mee-dee-ya-sty-num").
a small cut (incision) is made in the neck just above the breastbone or on the left side of the chest next to the breastbone. then a thin scope (mediastinoscope) is inserted through the opening. a tissue sample (biopsy) can be collected through the scope. the sample can then examined under a microscope for problems. these may include infection, inflammation, or cancer.
current as of: august 6, 2023
author: healthwise staff
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