[Surgical treatment of giant mediastinal tumors]

A total of 1814 cases of thoracic neoplastic pathology were registered during a period of 15 years (1984-1998), among which mediastinal tumors represented 7.38% (134 cases). There were 14 cases of giant mediastinal tumors, invading more than two thirds of the hemithorax and more than one of mediastinal compartment. Teratomas were the most common in this group. Surgical excision is indicated most cases. The results of surgical treatment on the basis of clinical, histologic and imagenologic studies are presented. The blind dissection of the adherences of the tumor to anatomic intrathoracic structures is a troublesome step; other surgical difficulties are commented upon. Eleven tumors were successfully excised, only one patient died. The surgical treatment of giant mediastinal tumors is a true challenge for the thoracic surgeon and the pulmonologist.