Tumors of the Anterior Mediastinum A Report of Six Cases

1) Six cases of tumor of the anterior mediastinum are reported. Five of these were treated surgically with clinical cures in all cases.

2) One of them was an "undifferentiated tumor" in a new born infant producing obstructive dyspnoea and death. This patient also could probably have been saved if permission for operation had been granted.

3) The importance of avoiding complications particularly infections by early and correct diagnosis is demonstrated.

4) X-ray examination is shown to be the only method by which early diagnosis can be made. It is urged that the same importance be assigned to nontuberculous as to tuberculous diseases of the chest in the application of the technique of mass x-ray survey and follow-up.

5) The value and necessity of measures designed to save life or prepare the patient for curative surgery are brought out. These may include the preliminary drainage of the cystic portions of teratomata or dermoids.

6) Streptomycin is shown to be an effective agent for the control of pyocyaneus infection in its pathogenic phase if there are no sinuses or pockets and if the entire infected area can be reached by the first applications. The organism, however, develops a rapid resistance to the agent if it is not immediately destroyed.

7) The value of parachlorophenol in the control of pyocyaneus infection is demonstrated. This agent appears to exert a bacteriostatic action upon the organism. There is no reaction from the body tissues and the effectiveness of the drug does not appear to be diminished by continued use.