Ultrasonographic characteristics of lymph nodes as predictors of malignancy during endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS): A systematic review

Assessment of the mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes (LNs) is required for accurate staging of non-small cell lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies. Endobronchial ultrasound trans-bronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is rapidly becoming the modality of choice for pathological staging of the mediastinum [1]. This approach incorporates bronchoscopy with real-time ultrasound visualization of the LNs prior to fine needle aspiration. Compared to traditional mediastinoscopy, which involves a surgical procedure under general anesthesia, EBUS-TBNA is minimally invasive, has a comparable diagnostic yield, has considerably lower risk of adverse events, and is more cost effective [1].

Source: Lung Cancer - October 29, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Danielle A. Hylton, Jane Turner, Yaron Shargall, Christian Finley, John Agzarian, Kazuhiro Yasufuku, Christine Fahim, Wa ël C. Hanna Source Type: research