What Are Mediastinal Lymph Nodes?

Mediastinal lymph-nodes

Mediastinal lymph node

Mediastinal lymph-nodes

1. Size: The size of the mediastinal lymph nodes varies widely. CT is a morphological diagnosis of lymphadenopathy, not a pathological diagnosis. The upper limit of normal lymph nodes is 10mm, and the accuracy rate is 70%; for lymph nodes greater than 15mm, 70% to 80% have metastasis, and 20% to 30% are benign or granulomatous non-specific hyperplasia. The size of the lymph nodes has a certain relationship with their location. The diameter of the lymph nodes in the palpital angle does not exceed 6mm. The diameter of the lymph nodes in the right trachea, bronchus, aorta, and pulmonary artery window can reach up to 11mm. In the meantime, these lymph nodes are mostly located under the carina and in front of the lower trachea.

2. Grouping: Regarding the grouping of lymph nodes, the naming system adopted by each family is not consistent. We are used to referring to the anatomical relationship between the location of the lymph nodes and the surrounding important organs. In 1983, the American Thoracic Society (ATS) improved the previous lymph node partition method and recommended a new partition method).