This biopsy is often done using a needle guided to the right spot by CT scan. When this is not possible, mediastinoscopy is sometimes performed. The procedure is done in the operating room under general anesthetic. A small incision is made on the neck, just above the breast bone. A scope is advanced into the mediastinal space and any lymph nodes in the area are sampled.
Recovery is only a day or two.
No restrictions in activity are expected.