[Diagnostic and surgical treatment aspects of mediastinal tumors and cysts]

A detailed study is made of the anatomy and physiology of the mediastinum. Proceeding from the anatomo-physiologic peculiarities of the mediastinum, the clinical picture, pathoanatomy and diagnostic possibilities of mediastinal tumours and cysts are comprehensively discussed. Seventeen patients with primary true mediastinal tumours and cysts, of which 16 cases with benign neoplasms and one - with malignant blastoma are reported. The results of the surgical treatment of benign mediastinal tumours and cysts are estimated as very good.