Mediastinal Tumors

In many cases, mediastinal tumors cause no symptoms in the early stages.

When symptoms do arise, they may include chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent cough, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and general symptoms such as fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss.

Larger tumors may exert pressure on surrounding structures, leading to conditions such as superior vena cava syndrome, Horner's syndrome, or frequent respiratory infections.

To diagnose mediastinal tumors, detailed imaging with CT or MRI scans are used to assess the tumor’s structure and extent. A PET scan may be employed to evaluate whether the tumor is malignant.

Biopsies can be obtained through several methods, including needle biopsy (guided by CT or ultrasound), mediastinoscopy (a surgical examination of the mediastinum), or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), which can sometimes serve both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Treatment for mediastinal tumors varies based on tumor type, location, and whether it is benign or malignant.

• Surgery is often the primary treatment, especially when the tumor can be fully removed.
• Radiation therapy may be used for certain tumors, either alone or alongside surgery or chemotherapy, which is generally reserved for malignant types, such as lymphomas.
• Targeted therapy and immunotherapy might be options for tumors with specific genetic markers. In cases of small, benign, asymptomatic tumors, observation with regular monitoring may be recommended.

Prognosis depends on the tumor type, stage, and treatment; early diagnosis and tailored treatments are essential to achieving the best outcomes.