Mediastinal tumours and pseudo-tumours: a comprehensive review with emphasis on multidisciplinary approach

Abstract

The diagnosis of a mediastinal mass may be challenging for clinicians, since lesions arising within the mediastinum include a variety of disease entities, frequently requiring a multidisciplinary approach. Age and sex represent important information, which need to be integrated with imaging and laboratory findings. In addition, the location of the mediastinal lesion is fundamental; indeed, we propose to illustrate mediastinal diseases based on the compartment of origin. We consider that this structured approach may serve as hint to the diagnostic modalities and management of mediastinal diseases. In this review, we present primary mediastinal tumours in the evolving context of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools, with recently described entities, based on our own experience with >900 cases encountered in the past 10 years.

Pathological characteristics of mediastinal masses in Sri Lanka 2017–2021: a retrospective observational study

“…They encompass approximately 3% of thoracic tumours [1], however, the precise estimates of incidence remain unclear. Furthermore, correlating the demographic characteristics such as age and sex with radiological and laboratory findings is important to make a clinical diagnosis [2]. We have previously reported a pathological analysis of mediastinal masses in Sri Lanka in the year 2017 [3].…”

“…Mediastinal masses are a relatively uncommon entity with diverse clinicopathological characteristics [ 1 ]. They encompass ∼3% of thoracic tumours [ 2 ]; however, precise estimates of incidence remain unclear.…”

Development and Validation of a CT-Based Radiomics Nomogram in Patients With Anterior Mediastinal Mass: Individualized Options for Preoperative Patients

“…Anterior mediastinal masses (AMMs) include a wide range of pathological entities, varying from benign cysts to neoplasms (benign and malignant) (6,7). Therefore, they often pose a diagnostic challenge for clinicians (8).…”

“…Biopsy of AMMs is an invasive approach to obtain tissue before surgical intervention and treatment for histopathological analysis (12,13). However, not all patients are eligible for biopsy given the presence of certain comorbidities as well as lesion size and location (8,14). On the other hand, there are also cases where direct surgical resection can be performed based only on imaging and clinical features, bypassing the superfluous step of biopsy (8).…”

“…However, not all patients are eligible for biopsy given the presence of certain comorbidities as well as lesion size and location (8,14). On the other hand, there are also cases where direct surgical resection can be performed based only on imaging and clinical features, bypassing the superfluous step of biopsy (8). Imaging examination, as a non-invasive approach, is indispensable for preoperative workup and is essential for the differential diagnosis, staging, and follow-up monitoring of AMMs (15).…”