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Mediastinal tumor

Definition:
Mediastinal tumors form in the cavity that separates the lungs. This cavity contains the heart, large blood vessels, trachea, thymus, and connective tissues.

Alternative Names:
Thymoma - mediastinal; Lymphoma - mediastinal

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The mediastinum is the part of the chest between the sternum and the spinal column. It contains the esophagus, trachea, heart, and other important structures. The mediastinum is divided into three sections:

  • the anterior (front)
  • the middle
  • the posterior (back)

Overall, mediastinal tumors are rare.

The most common location for tumors within the mediastinum varies according to the age of the patient. In children, tumors are more common in the posterior mediastinum. These often begin in the nerves and are often benign.

In contrast, most mediastinal tumors in adults occur in the anterior mediastinum and are usually malignant (cancerous) lymphomas or thymomas. These occur most commonly in people aged 30-50.



Review Date: 8/8/2002
Reviewed By: Scott Howard, M.D., M.S., Memphis, TN. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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