What is mediastinal area?

What is mediastinal area?

The mediastinum is the area that separates the lungs. It is surrounded by the breastbone in front and the spine in back, with the lungs on either side. It encompasses the heart, aorta, esophagus, thymus (a gland in the back of the neck) and trachea (windpipe).

What would cause a mediastinal mass?

A: Depending on etiology, a mediastinal tumor can be caused by an enlarged lymph node, or a gland such as the thymus, thyroid, or parathyroid. It can also be caused by a cyst originating from the pericardium (the sac that houses the heart), the bronchus, or the esophagus.

Are mediastinal lymph nodes cancer?

It is usually associated with tuberculosis and most commonly associated with lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Mediastinal lymph nodes are typically the first ones that cancer cells from the lungs will trap, providing doctors have the means to know if cancer is spreading.

Is mediastinum chest wall?

The mediastinum lies within the thorax and is enclosed on the right and left by pleurae. It is surrounded by the chest wall in front, the lungs to the sides and the spine at the back. It extends from the sternum in front to the vertebral column behind. It contains all the organs of the thorax except the lungs.

What are the symptoms of a mediastinal mass?

What are the symptoms of a mediastinal tumor?

• Cough.
• Shortness of breath.
• Chest pain (somewhat rare)
• Flushing.
• Fever.
• Chills.
• Night sweats.
• Coughing up blood.

What is normal size of mediastinal lymph nodes?

Mediastinal lymph nodes In general 10 mm is considered the upper limit for normal nodes (short axis diameter) 3-5.

What is the function of mediastinum?

The mediastinum houses many vital structures including the heart, great vessels, trachea, and essential nerves. It also functions as a protected pathway for structures traversing from the neck, superiorly, and into the abdomen, inferiorly.

How do you get rid of mediastinal mass?

The treatment used for mediastinal tumors depends on the type of tumor and its location:

1. Thymomas require surgical resection with possible radiation to follow.
2. Thymic cancers often require surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
3. Lymphomas, once diagnosed, are treated with chemotherapy followed by radiation.