Mediastinal masses

[Jessica]

Mediastinal masses include tumors, fluid-filled sacs (cysts), and other abnormalities in the organs of the mediastinum. These organs include the heart, the thymus gland, some lymph nodes, and parts of the esophagus, aorta, thyroid, and parathyroid glands.

These masses may cause no symptoms, but they may cause chest pain, weight loss, fever, difficulty swallowing, cough, or difficulty breathing, particularly in children.
Chest x-rays, computed tomography (CT), and biopsy are needed for diagnosis.
Treatment depends on the cause of the mass.

(See also Overview of Pleural and Mediastinal Disorders.)
The mediastinum (chest cavity) refers to an area that is bordered by the breastbone (sternum) in front, the spinal column in back, the neck on top, and the diaphragm below. It contains the heart, the thymus gland, some lymph nodes, and parts of the windpipe (trachea), esophagus, aorta, thyroid gland, and parathyroid glands. It does not include the lungs.
Doctors classify masses according to which part of the mediastinum they develop in: the front (anterior), middle, or back (posterior—see figure Locating the Mediastinum). The area in which the mass develops may provide a clue to the cause.
Mediastinal masses may be

Cancerous
Noncancerous

Noncancerous masses include cysts in the heart and pouch-like sacs or bulges that develop in the wall of an organ, such as the esophagus (called a diverticulum) or the aorta (called an aneurysm). Organs may enlarge, as occurs when a goiter forms in the thyroid gland or when cancer (such as a lymphoma) or an infection causes the lymph nodes to enlarge. Children may have birth defects in the mediastinum (for example, cysts, blood vessel abnormalities, or abnormal development of the esophagus).