Journal of Surgery

Lymphatics of the Mediastinum, Esophagus and Lungs: Thoracic Surgeon's Point of View

Abstract

Ciprian Bolca

The anatomy of the thoracic lymphatic system is very complex and not completely known yet. Thoracic malignancies, especially lung and esophageal cancers, are rapidly increasing as incidence. A good knowledge of the thoracic lymphatic system is very important in staging, diagnosis and treatment of these malignancies. The complete lymphadenectomy has a crucial role in both to achieve a correct postoperative stage and a complete resection of pathologic tissue. The article is a glimpse on the lymphatic anatomy of the thorax, as it should be known by surgeons involved in thoracic oncology.