Primary mediastinal seminoma

Primary mediastinal seminoma is a rare neoplastic disease. Only 133 cases have been reported in the literature. Five patients with primary mediastinal seminoma had been treated at VGH from 1974 to 1986. All of them received exploratory thoracotomy but only two of them were resectable. Postoperative radiation therapy was given regardless of resection. One had additional chemotherapy due to nodal involvement. All five patients showed complete resolution and were alive and free of disease for an average follow-up period of 42.6 months (range, 5-82 months). So we conclude that mediastinal seminoma is a rare neoplastic disease and can be treated primarily by surgery. Irradiation can also induce complete remission and long term survival in those with unresectable tumors.