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Cytologic Features of Mediastinal Lesions

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Mediastinal Lesions

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Abstract

The mediastinum contains a variety of anatomical structures that can give rise to benign or malignant neoplastic processes. Lesions of the mediastinum can be explored by fine-needle aspiration biopsy, under radiographic guidance, through a transthoracic or bronchoscopic approach. The reported diagnostic accuracy is approximately 85%. Although, thymomas and lymphomas are the most common primary lesions of the mediastinum, the site can be affected by a heterogeneous group of disease that can cause significant diagnostic difficulties. The pathologist must be aware of the diagnostic cytologic features, differential diagnosis, potential pitfalls, and the use of ancillary studies in rendering the accurate diagnosis. Here, we will discuss a pattern recognition approach to the lesions of the mediastinum obtained by aspiration biopsy. Emphasis will be placed on the differential diagnosis. In this approach, we will identify lesions that have spindle cell, epithelioid, lymphocyte-rich, small blue cells, inflammatory, and cystic components.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Medical Center, 560 First Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA

    Andre L. Moreira

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  1. Andre L. Moreira
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Correspondence to Andre L. Moreira .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA

    Anja C. Roden

  2. Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA

    Andre L. Moreira

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Moreira, A.L. (2017). Cytologic Features of Mediastinal Lesions. In: Roden, A., Moreira, A. (eds) Mediastinal Lesions. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-48379-5_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-48379-5_4

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