Mediastinal masses (Etiology and management)

Abstract

Mediastinal masses are divided into convenient compartments in order to develop a differential diagnosis. The identification of the normal content of the each compartment is important as any enlargement of them can lead to a mass. Most of mediastinal masses are asymptomatic and incidently identified on routine investigations. Symptoms are due to compression of the surroundings by a benign tumor or infiltration by a malignant tumor or due to the release of chemical mediators into systemic circulation by the tumors. CT scan is important tool in assessment while MRI is used for spinal canal involvement. Treatment is essentially surgical.