Commentary: Lest we biopsy: Positron emission tomography-computed tomography as a tool to achieve a “greater good” in the diagnosis and management of the resectable anterior mediastinal mass

[摘要] In the era of thoracoscopy, in the case of a surgically fit patient with an isolated and resectable anterior mediastinal mass, the surgeon need only consider management rather than dither on diagnosis. The solution is resection, and the diagnosis is provided by the pathologist at the time of surgery. Indeed, this approach is supported by national guidelines.1 This is an oversimplification, admittedly, for the exception that proves the rule, in this scenario, is lymphoma. While clinical context may provide a guide, such as myasthenia (present in 20%-25% of thymoma cases),2 B-symptoms (present in 34% of lymphoma cases in this study cohort),3,4 or hyperparathyroidism (ectopic parathyroid),5 cases will inevitably arise where the clinician is deprived of clear clinical or radiographic indicators.

[学科分类] 心脏病和心血管学