Mediastinal disease
Mediastinal Disease
Mediastinal disease (pronounced: me-dee-as-ti-nal di-zeez) refers to diseases and conditions that affect the mediastinum, the area of the chest that separates the lungs. This area contains several vital structures including the heart, major blood vessels, windpipe (trachea), and esophagus.
Etymology
The term "mediastinal" is derived from the Latin mediastinus, meaning "in the middle", and the suffix "-al" meaning "pertaining to". The term "disease" comes from the Old French desaise, meaning "lack of ease".
Types of Mediastinal Diseases
Mediastinal diseases can be broadly classified into several types based on the part of the mediastinum they affect. These include:
Symptoms
Symptoms of mediastinal disease can vary widely depending on the specific condition and its severity. Common symptoms may include chest pain, cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty swallowing. Some conditions may also cause systemic symptoms such as fever, weight loss, and night sweats.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of mediastinal disease typically involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, and imaging studies such as Computed Tomography (CT) scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). In some cases, a biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment for mediastinal disease depends on the specific condition and its severity. Options may include medication, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or surgery. In some cases, watchful waiting may be recommended if the condition is not causing significant symptoms or health risks.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mediastinal disease
- Wikipedia's article - Mediastinal disease
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