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Mediastinal Tumour

The Mediastinum is the central compartment of the chest cavity.The mediastinum contains all the chest organs except lungs.The mediastinum is divided into three main regions.Several Tumours arising from all these regions when decided by a Multi disciplinary team of doctors( comprising of oncologists,Thoracic Surgeons,Radiologists,Physicians,Pathologists etc.)are treated by surgical excision.

1) What Is Mediastinum?

Ans: The mediastinum is the space that separates the lungs from the rest of the chest. It contains the heart, esophagus, trachea, thymus, and aorta.

2) What Are The Common Tumours Of Mediastinum?

Ans: Masses in the anterior portion of the mediastinum are thymoma, lymphoma, germ cell tumors , thyroid tissue, and parathyroid lesions. Masses in this area are more likely to bemalignant than those in other compartments.
Masses in the posterior portion of the mediastinum tend to arise from neural tissue including neurilemomas and neurofibromas.

3) What Are The Signs & Symptoms?

Ans: Almost half of mediastinal tumors cause no symptoms and are found on a chest x-ray performed for another reason.Common Symptoms are Chest pain, Cough, Fever, Shortness of breath etc.

4) How A Mediastinal Tumour Is Diagnosed?

Ans: Chest x-ray, CT-guided needle biopsy, CT scan of the chest, Mediastinoscopy with biopsy, MRI of the chest-these are the usual investigations for diagnosis.

5) What Is The Treatment For Mediastinal Tumours?

Ans: Treatment for mediastinal tumors depends on the type and stage of tumour. Surgery is used to treat thymic cancers.& neurogenic tumors of the posterior mediastinum For lymphomas, chemotherapy followed by radiation is the treatment of choice. Germ cell tumors are usually treated with chemotherapy.

Gallery

Operative photograph of mediastinal tumour
Operative photograph of mediastinal tumour
Operative photograph of mediastinal tumour
CT Thorax with a tumour
CT Thorax with a tumour
CT Thorax with a tumour