Mediastinal Pathology involves a wide spectrum of lesions that may range from low to high grade malignant neoplasms. Recently, changes on histological criteria and classification have taken place. In view of such spectrum of lesions, the emphasis will be in some of the most common problematic areas in mediastinal pathology, namely thymic epithelial tumors, germ cell tumors, mesenchymal neoplasms, neuroendocrine tumors, as well as benign lesions that may mimic malignant neoplasms. This carefully selected group of topics represent one of the most common and yet more difficult areas in mediastinal pathology on which one needs to have an up-to-date knowledge of current classification systems, the use and interpretation of immunohistochemistry, and the limitations that one faces in intraoperative consultations (frozen sections).

The course will be of benefit to the general surgical pathologist, pathologists with special interest in thoracic (mediastinal) pathology, and pathology residents. This course will provide for more interactivity between the audience and the speakers to further discuss unusual settings upon which sometimes one is call to make some of these diagnoses.

Upon completion of this educational activity, participants should be able to: 1) Formulate the distinction among the different types of thymomas in contrast to other thymic tumors; 2) Recognize the importance and limitations among the different classification systems for thymic epithelial neoplasms; 3) Properly develop a differential diagnosis for the many different thymic tumors and; 4) properly evaluate and interpret the different immunohistochemical studies used in the diagnosis of thymic tumors.

Registrants will have access to images on the USCAP website prior to the meeting, and a syllabus will be provided at the meeting. After the meeting, registrants will receive web access to the PowerPoint presentation given at the USCAP Annual Meeting.