Thoracic Key

Rationale of Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping and Biopsy Print Section Listen Early in the nineteenth century, Virchow implicated lymph nodes in the process of the local spread of solid tumors…

Introduction Print Section Listen Esophageal carcinomas remain a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and the prognosis remains poor with 5-year overall survival of only 17%.1 In the mid-1990s, esophageal…

Introduction Print Section Listen Lung transplantation is a life-saving therapy for patients suffering from end-stage lung diseases. The number of patients waiting for lung transplantation, however, greatly exceeds the number…

Introduction Print Section Listen Among the three mediastinal compartments, the anterior compartment has the greatest potential for developing a primary mediastinal malignancy. Malignant tumors often are symptomatic and have considerable…

Introduction Print Section Listen The thymus gland is one of the more common structures in the anterior mediastinum that requires surgical extirpation. Most commonly, the indications for thymectomy are either…

Introduction Print Section Listen Mediastinoscopy is a surgical technique that permits minimally invasive access to the mediastinum.1 In most cases, mediastinoscopy is used to biopsy and facilitate the histologic diagnosis…

Introduction Print Section Listen Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease mediated by anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies (AChrab) directed against the acetylcholine receptor region of the post-synaptic membrane. Blocking and accelerated…

Introduction Print Section Listen Goiter refers to an enlargement of the thyroid gland. The condition is estimated to affect 5% of the general population. While the definition of substernal goiter…

Introduction Print Section Listen The diaphragm, in its role as a musculoaponeurotic structure separating the thoracic and abdominal domains, is subject to injury following blunt or penetrating trauma. Historical accounts…

Introduction Print Section Listen The mediastinum is defined as the space between the lungs. It is bordered by the sternum anteriorly, the thoracic inlet superiorly, the diaphragm inferiorly, and the…