Yolk sac tumour of the anterior mediastinum

Two cases of yolk sac tumour involving the anterior mediastinum in two young Chinese males are described. The tumour in both patients could only be partially debulked, and they died within a few months despite multiple chemotherapy. The importance of early diagnosis, radical surgery and aggressive combination chemotherapy in prolonging the period of survival of such patients is emphasized. Serum alpha-fetoprotein should be determined in every patient, especially a young male adult, who presents radiologically with a hilar mass.