Hemangioma of the mediastinum

Benign hemangiomas of the mediastinum are rare. Histologically they can be differentiated into a capillary or a cavernous form. In general these are well-encapsulated and slow-growing tumors, but infiltrative growth is not unusual. Metastases never occur. Often these tumors are accidentally found on routine chest roentgenograms. Phleboliths are characteristic. Symptoms are mostly caused by compression or invasion of mediastinal structures. The benign hemangioma should be treated surgically and must be removed as completely as possible. The prognosis is favorable.