Mediastinum cancer is characterized by the growth of a tumor in the space between the lungs, as shown in the figure, which includes the trachea, thymus, heart, esophagus and part of the lymphatic and nervous system, causing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Generally, mediastinal cancer is more common in patients between the ages of 30 and 50, but it can also occur in children, and in these cases it is usually benign and easy to treat.
Mediastinal cancer has a cure, when it is detected early, and its treatment must be done by an oncologist, depending on its cause.
Symptoms of Mediastinal Cancer
Symptoms of mediastinal cancer include:
- Dry cough, which can evolve to productive;
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing;
- Excessive tiredness;
- Fever greater than 38º;
- Weight loss.
The symptoms of mediastinal cancer vary depending on the affected region and, in some cases, do not cause any changes in the body.
Individuals with symptoms of mediastinal cancer should undergo diagnostic tests, such as CT or MRI scans, to diagnose the cause and initiate appropriate treatment.
Treatment for mediastinal cancer
Treatment for mediastinal cancer should be done by an oncologist and can usually be done at the hospital using chemotherapy or radiation therapy until the tumor disappears.
In some cases, surgery can also be used to remove cysts, the affected organ or to make transplants.
Causes of Mediastinal Cancer
The causes of mediastinal cancer can be:
- Metastases of cancer;
- Tumor in the thymus;
- Goiter;
- Neurogenic tumors;
- Cysts in the heart.
The causes of mediastinal cancer depend on the affected region but, in most cases, are related to metastases of lung or breast cancer.
Useful links:
- Lung cancer
- Breast cancer
