Primary Tumors of the Middle and Posterior Mediastinum

Abstract

Mediastinal cysts and neurogenic neoplasms are common primary middle and posterior mediastinal masses. Foregut cysts are a relatively frequent cause of a middle mediastinal mass and may progressively enlarge or rarely rupture, while pericardial cysts are infrequent lesions which rarely produce complications or symptoms. Schwannomas and neurofibromas are benign peripheral nerve tumors and are the most common mediastinal neurogenic neoplasms. Malignant tumors of nerve sheath origin are rare. Tumors arising in sympathetic ganglia typically occur in children and young adults and include ganglioneuroma, ganglioneuroblastoma and neuroblastoma. Mediastinal paragangliomas are rare. Lateral thoracic meningocele is the most common cause of a posterior mediastinal mass in a patient with neurofibromatosis.