Primary mediastinal tumors: part II. Tumors of the middle and posterior mediastinum.
Strollo DC, Rosado-de-Christenson ML, Jett JR
Lymphoma, mediastinal cysts, and neurogenic neoplasms are the most common
primary middle and posterior mediastinal
tumors. Lymphoma may involve the anterior, middle and/or posterior
mediastinum, frequently as lymphadenopathy or as a
discrete mass. Foregut cysts are common congenital mediastinal cysts
and frequently arise in the middle mediastinum.
Pericardial cysts are rare. Schwannoma and neurofibroma are benign
peripheral nerve neoplasms, represent the most common
mediastinal neurogenic tumors, and rarely degenerate into malignant
tumors of nerve sheath origin. Sympathetic ganglia tumors
include benign ganglioneuroma and malignant ganglioneuroblastoma and
neuroblastoma. Lateral thoracic meningocele is a rare
cause of a posterior mediastinal mass.
