[Value of noninvasive and intraoperative diagnosis of malignant mediastinal tumors]

Among malignant tumors of the mediastinum lymphomas are no indication for operation. In our experience, however, fine needle puncture, computed tomography (CT), nuclear magnetic resonance, mediastinoscopic biopsy of lymph nodes and intraoperative freeze section histology can only rarely differentiate between lymphomas and other tumors of the mediastinum. Only CT-guided or direct parasternal biopsy including immunhistochemistry can yield a reliable preoperative diagnosis and prevent unnecessary operation of lymphomas.