A suspected mediastinal tumor

Computerized tomography (CT) is the leading method in diagnosis of mediastinal tumors. It permits to establish the exact localization of formation, its relationship with surrounding anatomic structures. But CT doesn't differentiate benign and malignant formations. Biopsy must be conducted in addition to CT. Ultrasonic investigation is used only is situation of tumor in auteroinferior mediastinum due to unfavourable propagation of ultrasound in chest cavity. Angiography is used only in suspicion on vascular genesis of formation. In the case of suspicion on intrathoracic goiter the examination ought to begin with scintigraphy