Tumors and Cysts of the Mediastinum

¹ The Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, University of Oregon Medical School, Portland, Oregon.

Practically all mediastinal tumors and cysts, as well as the lesions with which they may be confused, threaten the life of the patient. During their growth they may compress vital organs, rupture, become infected, or develop malignant change. The most important consideration in these lesions is to differentiate those which are amenable to surgical attack, particularly benign tumors and cysts and primary malignancies, from those for which surgical cure is impossible. A preliminary trial of roentgenray therapy is recommended for known or suspected lymphoblastomas. In these it may provide palliation as well as diagnostic information.

Exploratory thoracotomy is now a relatively safe procedure which may be recommended with impunity for lesions which are potentially malignant or from which fatal complications are likely to ensue. In most mediastinal lesions the diagnosis may be suspected, but cannot be verified, prior to surgery. Thoracotomy should be performed without delay in all cases for which there is some prospect of surgical cure.