Mediastinal mass in the front, center portion of the chest cavity in children can be asymptomatic or associated with any number of usually mild symptoms, such as chest discomfort or shortness of breath. The pediatrician will arrange diagnostic studies to determine what comprises the mass. Surgical intervention is indicated if a diagnosis cannot be otherwise made, and a biopsy is needed. In many cases the diagnosis can be made using video-assisted techniques at the Cardiac Center. Also, in many instances removal of the mass is required.
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease affecting many organs.
The lungs are affected by secretions that get trapped in the airways, leading to gradual deterioration of lung function, and repeated, chronic infection. In some cases lung transplantation is the treatment of choice. These children should be evaluated at a center specializing in cystic fibrosis, which can refer patients for pediatric lung transplantation when indicated. The Cardiac Center, together with several other divisions at Children's Hospital has a team of physicians specializing in the management of the pulmonary manifestations of cystic fibrosis. Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries leading to the lungs.