Neurogenic Tumors of the Posterior Mediastinum

¹ Attending Surgeon for the Caracas "Simón Bolivar" Tuberculosis Hospital. Attending Surgeon for the Thoracic Surgery Division of the "Hospital Oncológico"in Caracas.
² Surgical Consultant for Creole Petroleum Corporation. Attending Surgeon for the Division C of the Caracas "Hospital Oncológico." Assistant Attending for the Caracas "Hospital Vargas."
³ Chief of the "Servicio Nacional de Anatomia Patológica." Pathologist for the "Jose Manuel de Los Rios" Hospital in Caracas.

A series of the first six neurogenic mediastinal tumors operated in Venezuela has been analyzed. Four of these tumors were diagnosed as neurofibromas and two as ganglioneuromas. Macroscopically the tumors appeared well encapsulated, with a thin capsule, which could be easily enucleated. They were all located in the posterior mediastinum and one of them partially extended to the anterior mediastinum, with no intraspinal invasion. Four cases were asymptomatic and diagnosis was made during fluoroscopy of the chest performed for various reasons; one was suffering from asthma and the other complained of vague thoracic pain.

In five of our cases the correct diagnosis was made before the operation. In the other the diagnosis of bronchogenic or tracheal cyst was made.

Evolution time was not determined. All the cases, with the exception of one, were operated immediately after the diagnosis was made. The remaining one was operated two years afterwards.

All of our cases have been under observation from 3years to 4 months after operation and there have been no symptoms of recurrence.