Mediastinal tumors
Authors: Sweilh Mazen , ediab Emad Mostafa , Bardan Husam 
Published: July 2023

Introduction:
The thoracic mediastinum is the chamber that extends along the thoracic cavity between the two pulmonary flanks. This chamber extends longitudinally from the thoracic entrance to the upper surface of the diaphragm. Tumors of the mediastinum are uncommon lesions encountered in clinical practice. There has been a significant increase in the incidence of malignant mediastinal tumors over the past four decades. Presentation varies from asymptomatic lesions discovered incidentally on imaging to severe, life-threatening. Mediastinal masses include a wide range of tumors that affect people of all ages and remain an interesting diagnostic challenge. They may be congenital or acquired, which can be primary or secondary tumors. Secondary mediastinal tumors are more common than primary tumors, and often represent lymphatic transmission from primary tumors of the lung or organs below the diaphragm such as cancers of the pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, and testis
Methods:
An observational study of the type of a cross-sectional study. This study targeted the patients of Damascus Hospital. Where the sample was randomly selected, about (110) patients were selected who meet specific acceptance criteria, the most important of which is the presence of adequate information in the file, while all patients were excluded according to specific exclusion criteria.
Results:
Mediastinal tumors account for approximately 3% of all primary tumors in the chest and 0.4% of all primary tumors. The incidence of mediastinal tumors varies with age and gender. It is more common in males than in females, as the ratio of males to females is 3: 2. This ratio is completely identical to the study sample. The age distribution of mediastinum tumors is bi-peak, as it peaks in the second and sixth decades of life. While in our sample, we find that the peak is at more advanced ages. In children, mediastinal tumors are more common in males than in females, with a male to female ratio of 2:1. Neuroblastomas and lymphomas are the most common types of mediastinal tumors in children.
Conclusion:
Increasing awareness and education among healthcare professionals regarding the diagnosis and management of mediastinal tumors. Development of standardized protocols for the diagnosis and treatment of mediastinal tumors, collaboration between the various disciplines involved in their care, research into new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and long-term follow-up of patients. Increase awareness and education among healthcare professionals regarding the diagnosis and management of mediastinal tumors. Develop standardized protocols for the diagnosis and treatment of mediastinal tumors. Collaboration between the various specialties involved in the care of patients with mediastinal tumors, including thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists. Research into new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for mediastinal tumors, including the use of molecular profiling and immunotherapy. Follow-up of patients with mediastinal tumors on a long0-term basis to evaluate their outcome and determine potential late effects of treatment. Consider patient age and tumor subtype when determiningtreatment options and prognosis.