Mediastinal mass: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
The [[mediastinum]] is a non-delineated group of structures in the [[Thorax|thorax (chest)]], surrounded by [[loose connective tissue]]. It is the central [[Compartment (anatomy)|compartment]] of the [[thoracic cavity]]. | The [[mediastinum]] is a non-delineated group of structures in the [[Thorax|thorax (chest)]], surrounded by [[loose connective tissue]]. It is the central [[Compartment (anatomy)|compartment]] of the [[thoracic cavity]]. The [[mediastinum]] lies between the [[Visceral pleura|right and left pleura]] in and near the [[Anatomical terms of location|median sagittal plane]] of the [[chest]]. It extends from the [[sternum]] in front to the [[vertebral column]] behind, and contains all the [[Chest|thoracic]] [[viscera]] except the [[lungs]]. On the basis of cross-sectional imaging, mediastinum can be divided into 3 groups: 1) Prevascular, which contains thymus, fat, lymph nodes and left brachiocephalic vein. 2) Visceral compartment, which contains trachea, carina, esophagus, lymph nodes, heart, ascending thoracic aorta, aortic arch, descending thoracic aorta, superior vena cava, intrapericardial pulmonary arteries, and thoracic duct. and 3) Paravertebral compartment, which contains the thoracic spine and paravertebral tissue. A wide variety of [[Mediastinal mass causes|diseases]] involving these organs can present as a mediastinal mass or widening of the [[mediastinum]] on [[imaging studies]]. Mediastinal widening is diagnosed by the [[mediastinum]] measuring greater than 8 cm in width on [[Chest x-ray|PA chest x-ray]]. The mediastinal mass may present with [[Symptom|symptoms]] or even without any [[Symptom|symptoms]]. A mediastinal mass may cause a variety of symptoms by the [[Tumor|mass]] pressing against other [[Mediastinum|mediastinal structures]], collectively known as mediastinal syndrome. Mediastinal mass can be differentiated according to the content of the mass such as [[Cyst|cystic mass]], [[Fat|fatty mass]] or [[Neoplasm|solid (tumor)]]. | ||
Revision as of 17:01, 19 February 2019
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Mediastinal mass Microchapters |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Trusha Tank, M.D.[2]
Synonyms and keywords: Mediastinal enlargement; mass in the mediastinum
Overview
The mediastinum is a non-delineated group of structures in the thorax (chest), surrounded by loose connective tissue. It is the central compartment of the thoracic cavity. The mediastinum lies between the right and left pleura in and near the median sagittal plane of the chest. It extends from the sternum in front to the vertebral column behind, and contains all the thoracic viscera except the lungs. On the basis of cross-sectional imaging, mediastinum can be divided into 3 groups: 1) Prevascular, which contains thymus, fat, lymph nodes and left brachiocephalic vein. 2) Visceral compartment, which contains trachea, carina, esophagus, lymph nodes, heart, ascending thoracic aorta, aortic arch, descending thoracic aorta, superior vena cava, intrapericardial pulmonary arteries, and thoracic duct. and 3) Paravertebral compartment, which contains the thoracic spine and paravertebral tissue. A wide variety of diseases involving these organs can present as a mediastinal mass or widening of the mediastinum on imaging studies. Mediastinal widening is diagnosed by the mediastinum measuring greater than 8 cm in width on PA chest x-ray. The mediastinal mass may present with symptoms or even without any symptoms. A mediastinal mass may cause a variety of symptoms by the mass pressing against other mediastinal structures, collectively known as mediastinal syndrome. Mediastinal mass can be differentiated according to the content of the mass such as cystic mass, fatty mass or solid (tumor).