Lymphangioma of the posterior mediastinum in an adult: Diagnosis via cytopathologist‐assisted fine‐needle aspiration biopsy with cell block

Lymphangiomas are uncommon in the posterior mediastinum. We report a case of a lymphangioma in this location that was diagnosed by computed tomographic‐guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy. The cell block of the lesion closely simulated a normal structure immediately adjacent to the target and could have been misdiagnosed as “normal tissue.” On‐site evaluation of the aspirate by a cytopathologist promoted pathologist–radiologist communication that helped prevent the potential error and facilitated making the correct diagnosis in the case. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2005;33:412–415. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.