Percutaneous fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the mediastinum.

Percutaneous needle aspiration biopsy of the mediastinum has become a safe and reliable diagnostic technique that can decrease the need for mediastinoscopy in a large number of cases. It is particularly useful in detecting metastatic carcinoma, but it can also be helpful in the diagnosis of a number of other mediastinal lesions including thymoma, lymphoma, and cysts. Experience with the procedure and good cytopathological interpretation are important to the success of the procedure.