The development of a widened mediastinum in patients with neoplastic disease frequently indicates tumor recurrence or spread. Seven cases of mediastinal widening in children with a variety of neoplasms are described wherein the etiology is either proven or strongly suspected to be benign thymic enlargement. Awareness of this benign etiology for mediastinal widening may avert a diagnostic surgical procedure. A steroid trial in certain specific cases may assist in differentiating benign from malignant etiologies.
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Cohen et al. (1980) studied this question.
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