Scalene node biopsy (SNB) still represents a useful diagnostic method in the difficult interpretation of hilar-mediastinal adenopathies. Of 858 sample cases of intrathoracic pathologies of various etiology, SNB indicated a high histological degree of positivity in sarcoidosis in stages I and I + II (86%) and in malignant lymphomas (91%). As a result, the authors believe that when faced with a process of localization prevailing in the hilar-mediastinal lymphatic system, the SNB is a preferable treatment and should be performed before a mediastinoscopy.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
DanielsAC. A method of biopsy useful in diagnosing intrathoracic diseases. Dis Chest1949; 16: 360–7.
2.
BrantiganJW. Biopsy of non-palpable scalene lymph nodes in carcinoma of the lung. Am Rev Resp Dis1973; 107: 962–74.
3.
MillerWETaylorAM. Biopsy of scalene and supraclavicular lymph nodes; value in diagnosis. Cleve Clin Q1965; 32: 205–10.
4.
PalumboLTSharpeWS. Scalene node biopsy; correlation with other diagnostic procedures in 550 cases. Arch Surg1969; 98: 90.
5.
CarlensE. Mediastinoscopy, a method for inspection and tissue biopsy in the superior mediastinum. Dis Chest1959; 36: 343.
