Mediastinal tumors

Mediastinal tumors represent a wide spectrum of epithelial, mesenchymal, neuroectodermal, embryonal, germ cell, and mixed neoplasms. Nevertheless, their incidence is low, accounting for approximately 1% of all neoplasms, and clinical presentation is often nonspecific usually reflecting advanced-stage disease. Primary mediastinal tumors must be distinguished from secondary tumors and so-called pseudotumors. From the perspective of their classification, diagnostics, and therapy, the anatomical--topographical division of the mediastinum into compartments is essential, as it may facilitate identification of individual lesions based on their typical localization and imaging characteristics. Surgical resection represents the first-line therapeutic modality for the majority of mediastinal lesions, with the exception of lymphomas and germ cell tumors. Authors present an overview of mediastinal tumors in adults, including their diagnosis and treatment.