Giant anterior mediastinal malignant lymphoma resected through a semi-clamshell approach: Insights into diagnostic strategy

Key Points

• To highlight the complexities in diagnosing and treating giant anterior mediastinal malignant lymphoma through surgical intervention.
• Patient presented with a 12 cm tumor compressing the heart, subjected to CT and PET-CT scans for assessment.
• Underwent surgical resection using a semi-clamshell approach after initial difficulties during thoracoscopic surgery.
• Histopathological evaluation confirmed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, initiating R-CHOP therapy.
• Surgical resection effectively removed the tumor, which was confirmed as malignant lymphoma post-operation.
• The patient had elevated levels of LDH and soluble IL-2 receptor, commonly associated with lymphomas.
• The case emphasizes the importance of preoperative evaluation and interdisciplinary collaboration.