This procedure is performed if there is suspicion in the areas between the lungs and lymph nodes. It is commonly used to check for and stage lung cancer. The procedure allows for lymph node removal and biopsy. It may also be used in individuals with thymoma, esophageal cancer, and lymphoma. Lymph nodes, the cardiovascular system, trachea, esophagus, the thymus gland (located behind the sternum), and the thyroid gland can be examined using this method. The thymus gland is where lymphocytes learn to distinguish between the body's own cells and foreign cells that could be harmful. This method can also provide data related to lymphoma, thymoma, thyroid masses, metastatic carcinomas, sarcoidosis, bronchogenic cysts, neurogenic tumors, parathyroid tumors, teratoma, and gastrointestinal hernias. While used for staging before lung cancer surgery, if cancer cells are found in the lymph node biopsy, surgery may not be recommended. In this sense, it is important for treatment strategy.