Mediastinal Tumor

The mediastinum lies between the two lungs, bounded anteriorly by the sternum and posteriorly by the thoracic vertebrae. It contains many important organs: large vessels, trachea, main bronchi, pericardium, esophagus, thymus, plus abundant fat, nerves and lymphatic tissue. Abnormal embryonic development or acquired cysts/tumor formation results in mediastinal tumors. Mediastinal tumors are diverse: primary and metastatic; among primary tumors, benign are more common but a substantial proportion is malignant. To localize lesions, the mediastinum is divided by the horizontal plane at the lower border of the 4th thoracic vertebra into upper and lower parts; the mediastinal space containing many important organs is called the visceral mediastinum (middle mediastinum); the space anterior to trachea and pericardium is the anterior mediastinum; the space behind trachea and pericardium (including paravertebral mediastinum) is the posterior mediastinum. Domestic statistics show thymic tumors, neurogenic tumors, teratomas, various cysts and thyroid tumors are the most common mediastinal tumors; cystic tumors are least common.

Common Symptoms

Facial edema; unilateral sweating with the other side dry; chest pain; dysphagia; chest tightness; eventration of diaphragm; malignant pleural effusion

Causes and Pathogenesis

The exact cause is unclear; possibly related to: 1. Chemical carcinogens — indirect: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, aromatic amines and aminoazo dyes, nitrosamines, mycotoxins; direct: alkylating agents and acylating agents (carcinogenic without in-vivo activation). 2. Physical carcinogens — ionizing radiation causes various cancers; long-term heat radiation also has some carcinogenic effect; metal elements such as nickel, chromium, cadmium and beryllium are carcinogenic to humans. 3. Clinical theories also relate to trauma, parasites and heredity.

Treatment

Surgery, drug therapy, radiotherapy

Preventive Measures

1. Control alcohol — alcohol is a solvent for many carcinogens; reducing intake lowers cancer incidence. 2. Do not smoke — tobacco contains many carcinogens; smoking is also a cancer trigger. 3. Control body weight — avoid over- or under-weight; limit adult weight gain to under 5 kg; overweight/obesity raises cancer risk. 4. Strengthen physical exercise — build fitness; exercise in sunlight; sweating excretes acidic metabolites and prevents an acidic body constitution.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Medical Oncology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.