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Cytology and Surgical Pathology of the Mediastinum

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Updates in Diagnostic Pathology

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 563))

Abstract

Mediastinum refers to the space in the thoracic cavity that is bound by the pleura, sternum, vertebral column, thoracic inlet, and diaphragm. It contains major anatomic structures and can be involved by diverse pathologic processes. It is customarily to divide the mediastinum into several compartments: superior, anterior, middle, and posterior because the lists of differential diagnoses vary according to the location. (see Table 1) In addition, the patient’s age may also be helpful. For example, thymoma and carcinoid are less common in children.

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Castro, C.Y., Chhieng, D.C. (2005). Cytology and Surgical Pathology of the Mediastinum. In: Chhieng, D.C., Siegal, G.P. (eds) Updates in Diagnostic Pathology. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 563. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-32025-3_6

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