Key result
Five cases of anterior mediastinal tumours highlighted the need for full investigation before mediastinoscopy and suggested expectant management for asymptomatic mediastinal haemangioma in adults.
Case Report (n=5)
A full investigation of mediastinal swellings is needed before mediastinoscopy is performed, and asymptomatic mediastinal haemangioma in adults may be managed expectantly.
Full investigation of mediastinal masses is warranted before mediastinoscopy; leaves open expectant management of asymptomatic adult haemangiomas.
Summary Five cases of anterior mediastinal tumour are presented. Two cases were asymptomatic, being discovered by routine chest radiography. The remainder presented with dyspnoea, dysphagia and a sinus over the manubrium. Each case provided a lesson in the management of the mediastinal mass. Pathologies included haemangioma, teratoma, secondary carcinoma from the kidney and a malignant thymoma which caused cardiac tamponade. Features of interest in the presentation, treatment and pathology are discussed. It is concluded that a full investigation of mediastinal swellings is needed before mediastinoscopy is performed; that incision of swellings in the base of the neck should be avoided; and it is suggested that the management of asymptomatic mediastinal haemangioma in adults may be expectant.
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Lallemand et al. (1975) conducted a case report in Anterior mediastinal tumour (n=5). Management of mediastinal tumours was evaluated. Five cases of anterior mediastinal tumours highlighted the need for full investigation before mediastinoscopy and suggested expectant management for asymptomatic mediastinal haemangioma in adults.