Needle based confocal laser endomicroscopy (nCLE) is a modern imaging technique, compatible with the conventional diagnostic aspiration needle, that uses an excitation laser light to create 'real-time' microscopic images of tissues. Therefore this technique provides additional information regarding the nodal status and could therefore improve the diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA. Specifically, we will describe the nCLE image characteristics of lymph nodes involved in lung cancer and sarcoidosis as well as in healthy lymph nodes. Improved characterization of mediastinal nodes might lead to improved diagnosis.