Mediastinal tumors
Mediastinal Tumors
Mediastinal tumors (/miːdɪəˈstaɪnəl/ 'tumors') are growths that occur in 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 "tumor" comes from the Latin tumere, meaning "to swell".
Types of Mediastinal Tumors
Mediastinal tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). They are categorized based on their location in the anterior (front), middle, or posterior (back) parts of the mediastinum.
- Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma: These tumors originate from the thymus, a small organ located in the anterior mediastinum. Thymomas are typically benign, while thymic carcinomas are malignant.
- Lymphoma: This is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's immune system. Lymphomas can occur in the anterior or middle mediastinum.
- Neurogenic Tumors: These tumors originate from nerve tissue and are most commonly found in the posterior mediastinum. They can be benign or malignant.
Symptoms
Symptoms of mediastinal tumors can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor. They may include cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and unexplained weight loss. Some tumors may not cause any symptoms and are discovered during a routine chest X-ray.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of mediastinal tumors typically involves imaging tests such as a chest X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. A biopsy may also be performed to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant.
Treatment options for mediastinal tumors include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The choice of treatment depends on the type and stage of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mediastinal tumors
- Wikipedia's article - Mediastinal tumors
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