Mediastinal tumors are uncommon and often asymptomatic if benign. Tumors have a predilection
for arising in one of three mediastinal compartments: the anterior, middle, or posterior.
If symptoms are present, they are usually compressive in origin. Computed tomography
is almost always the imaging modality of first choice. Benign-appearing lesions are
usually resected for cure. Malignant-appearing lesions usually require biopsy by the
least invasive route appropriate for the suspected tumor type. Mediastinal fibrosis
is thought to be caused by Histoplasma capsulatum most commonly and usually presents with progressive compressive symptoms. Oral antifungal
agents have been reported to control the disease. Stenting, superior vena caval bypass,
and resectional surgery are sometimes required to palliate obstructive processes.
Mediastinal tumors - mediastinal fibrosis - surgery
