[Thoracic neurinoma: a case of a giant neurinoma]

Having observed 6 cases of benign tumours deriving from nerve sheaths, one of which was of exceptional size (19 x 11 x 10 cm), with an endothoracic localization over the past 5 years, the Authors analyse the etiopathogenetic problems, anatomo-clinical symptoms and the possible methods of treating these endothoracic tumours. Neurinomas represent between 60 and 70% of mediastinal neurogenic tumours which account for 20% of all cancers of the mediastinum. Their typical localization is the posterior mediastinum, along the paravertebral grooves, and the dimensions of these tumours vary between 3 and 8 cm, although on rare occasions they reach 15 cm. In all cases except that of the giant neurinoma, surgery took the form of straightforward enucleation. Follow-up has not revealed recidivation in any of the cases operated.