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Mediastinal masses in infants and children
Archives of Surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|August 1, 1977
Summary
Most pediatric mediastinal masses are symptomatic, with malignant tumors often neurogenic or lymphomatous. While many malignancies are treatable, benign masses are effectively managed with simple excision.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Mediastinal masses are common in children, presenting diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
- Understanding the etiology and characteristics of pediatric mediastinal masses is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical presentation, etiology, and outcomes of pediatric mediastinal masses.
- To differentiate between malignant and benign mass characteristics and treatment responses.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 93 pediatric patients with mediastinal masses.
- Analysis of diagnostic methods, tumor origin, malignancy rates, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Three-quarters of patients were symptomatic.
- Malignant masses (neurogenic, lymphomatous) occurred in approximately 50%; neurogenic tumors were more common in younger children, lymphomas in older children.
- Two-thirds of malignancies were potentially curable; 54% of patients were salvaged.
- Common benign masses included enteric duplications, ganglioneuromas, bronchogenic cysts, and teratomas, effectively treated by simple excision.
Conclusions:
- Mediastinal masses in children require prompt diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies.
- Malignant pediatric mediastinal masses have significant curability with multimodal therapy.
- Benign mediastinal masses can be successfully treated with surgical excision.