Lung Cancer Team - Clinical Services

Diagnostic Services: Mediastinoscopy

Sometimes a biopsy of the chest's lymph nodes (pea-sized "glands" that filter impurities from the body) is needed to stage or diagnose lung cancer. This test is performed by a surgeon, who will make a small incision just above your breastbone, and slide a scope down next to your windpipe to remove some of these lymph nodes. The biopsy is performed under general anesthesia. It is done as an outpatient procedure. You will need to have pre-operative testing.

The results of the biopsy will be available in about 4-5 business days. Some people may complain of a sore throat. This will often resolve within a few weeks. If is does not, let your surgeon know. You will have a dressing over the incision, which can be removed after 24 hours, and then you may shower. There will also be small strips across the incision, which will fall off on their own within a few days or can be removed after a week.