Scalene Node Biopsy

Abstract

Scalene node biopsy is commonly employed, whether the nodes are palpable or not, in patients with proven or suspected bronchogenic carcinoma. Patients with solitary circumscribed peripheral lesions are rarely subjected to scalene biopsy as the yield is very low in these instances. The yield is highest in patients with hilar or mediastinal enlargements. The percentage of positive biopsies is higher in anaplastic carcinomas than in squamous cell carcinomas. The generally accepted indications for scalene node biopsy are: (a) enlarged supraclavicular nodes, (b) suspected or proven bronchogenic carcinoma, and (c) suspected sarcoidosis. The incidence of positive biopsies is low when the indications for the biopsy are other than those described above. In selected cases, however, the procedure may be of great value.