
Mediastinal Disease
Mediastinal Treatments

The mediastinum comprises the area between the lungs and outside of the heart and great vessels. This can be the site of abnormalities of a congenital nature, or benign or malignant growths. Evaluation and treatment of these findings often begins with a biopsy which is typically completed in a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. Definitive treatment may also be completed with a minimal approach, but at time requires more extensive surgery.
Mediastinal abnormalities evaluated and treated may involve the following:
- Thymus gland
- Thyroid
- Lymphoma
- Germ cell tumors
- Bronchogenic cysts
- Esophageal disease

Mediastinoscopy
Mediastinoscopy is a medical procedure used to investigate and diagnose conditions within the mediastinum, which is the central compartment of the chest located between the lungs. It is typically employed when there is a suspicion of certain diseases or conditions, such as lung cancer, lymphoma, infections, or inflammatory disorders, affecting the structures in this region. It’s a safe and effective procedure, typically performed under general anesthesia.
During a mediastinoscopy, we make a small incision at the base of the neck and inserts a thin, flexible tube with a camera, called an endoscope. This enables direct visualization of the mediastinal structures and allows us to obtain tissue samples from the lymph nodes and other areas within the mediastinum. These tissue samples are crucial for accurate diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning, particularly in cases where other diagnostic methods like imaging or biopsies are inconclusive or insufficient.
ABOUT SCHMETTERER M.D.
Lawrence Schmetterer, M.D., F.A.C.S. is one of the top and most trusted vascular surgeons in Youngstown and Warren, Ohio. He’s been practicing
medicine for over 34-years and sees patients in Youngstown, Austintown, Boardman, and Salem, Ohio, with hospital privileges at all the area’s major
hospitals including Mercy Boardman and Youngstown’s St. Elizabeth Hospital, The Surgical Hospital at Southwoods, Salem Community Hospital, and
Steward – Trumbull Regional Medical Center. Dr. Schmetterer is known for treating Venous Disease, including varicose veins. Additionally specializing in
Thoracic, Arterial, Venous, and Mediastinal Disease.