[A "dumbell" tumor of the mediastinum--case report]

Tumours situated in the posterior mediastinum and spreading to the spinal canal via the intervertebral opening are described as "dumbbell" tumours. The authors submit the case-history of a 44-year-old patient admitted to the Second Surgical Clinic Pasteur Faculty Hospital, Safarík University Kosice after repeated laminectomy and extirpation of the intraspinally spreading part of a mediastinal tumour. The mediastinal part of the tumour was removed surgically, the histological result was described as a melanotic schwannoma. The postoperative course was without complications, the patient was discharged home in a good condition on the 8th day after the operation. In the conclusion the authors emphasize the necessity to remove the tumour in toto. A one-stage operation in collaboration with a neurosurgeon seems appropriate.