The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Mediastinal Tumors

Tumors located in the middle of the chest cause cough, shortness of breath, and local pressure symptoms.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Göğüs Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Mediastinal Tumors?

The mediastinum is the region in the middle of the thoracic cavity between the two lungs. The thymus, large vessels, esophagus, trachea, and lymph nodes are located in this area. Mediastinal tumors can originate from these structures.

Thymoma, lymphoma, and germ cell tumors in the anterior mediastinum; lymph node metastases and cysts in the middle mediastinum; neurogenic tumors are commonly seen in the posterior mediastinum.

CT and MRI imaging are fundamental in diagnosis; biopsy may be required for tissue diagnosis. Myasthenia gravis is an important neuromuscular disorder that may accompany thymoma.

Symptoms

Cough and shortness of breath
Difficulty swallowing (esophageal compression)
Hoarseness (nerve compression)
Superior vena cava syndrome (face and neck swelling, headache)
Chest pain
Symptoms of myasthenia gravis (associated with thymoma)

Risk Factors

Myasthenia gravis (often associated with thymoma)
Immunodeficiency (increased lymphoma risk)
Previous radiation exposure
Young male sex on background of germ cell tumor
Family history of lymph cancer

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • If difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or facial swelling develops
  • If mediastinal widening is detected on chest X-ray or CT
  • Neurology and thoracic surgery if symptoms of myasthenia gravis are present
  • Apply to a specialized center for biopsy and complete staging

Treatment Methods

01
Surgical resection in thymoma (complete removal if possible)
02
Chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy in lymphoma
03
BEP protocol (bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin) in germ cell tumors
04
Surgical excision in cysts
05
Neurological treatment after thymectomy in myasthenia gravis-associated thymoma patients

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Göğüs Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Göğüs Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Asthma

Göğüs Hastalıkları

Asthma is characterized by wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath attacks; with proper treatment it can be kept under control.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Göğüs Hastalıkları

COPD is an irreversible lung disease characterized by shortness of breath and chronic cough; quitting smoking slows its progression.

Pneumonia

Göğüs Hastalıkları

Pneumonia presents with high fever, cough and shortness of breath; the vast majority recover with appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Göğüs Hastalıkları

Tuberculosis presents with weeks-to-months of cough, fever, and night sweats; early diagnosis and treatment lead to full recovery.

Pleural Effusion

Göğüs Hastalıkları

Pleural effusion is the accumulation of excess fluid in the pleural space, resulting from imbalances in fluid production and removal, and represents a manifestation of diverse cardiopulmonary, infectious, and malignant disorders.

Pneumothorax

Göğüs Hastalıkları

Pneumothorax is the presence of air in the pleural space resulting in partial or complete lung collapse, classified as spontaneous (primary/secondary), traumatic, or iatrogenic, with tension pneumothorax representing a life-threatening emergency.

Bronchitis (Acute and Chronic)

Göğüs Hastalıkları

Acute bronchitis is mostly viral and resolves spontaneously, while chronic bronchitis is a smoking-related component of COPD.

Bronchiectasis

Göğüs Hastalıkları

Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by permanent, abnormal dilation of bronchi with associated destruction of muscular and elastic components of airway walls, resulting in impaired mucociliary clearance and recurrent infection.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.