How are patients with mediastinal disease evaluated?

Detailed hx and PE PA and lateral X ray, CT, sometimes MRI and PET (using FDG) used for lesions and characterization usually followed by an invasive procedure for tissue diagnosis Some mediastinal lesions are distinguished with radio, no need for biopsy (congenital cysts and vascular lesions) Labs (CBC, electrolytes, renal and liver FT, serology (for autoantibodies))