pulmonary disorders
Mediastinal Masses
Introduction
Mediastinal masses are caused by a variety of cysts and tumors; likely causes differ by patient age and location of the mass (anterior, middle, or posterior mediastinum). They may be asymptomatic (common in adults) or cause systemic symptoms or obstructive respiratory symptoms (more likely in children). Testing involves CT with biopsy or surgical resection and adjunctive tests as needed. Treatment differs by cause. Mediastinal masses are divided into those that occur in the anterior, middle, and posterior mediastinum. The anterior mediastinum extends from the sternum to the pericardium in the inferior region and from the sternum to the brachiocephalic vessels in the superior region. The middle mediastinum lies between the anterior and posterior mediastinum. The posterior mediastinum is bounded by the pericardium and trachea anteriorly and the vertebral column posteriorly. 