34^th Global Summit Pulmonary Diseases & Treatment

Mediastinal Disease

The mediastinum is the central compartment of the thoracic cavity that is located between the two lungs and between the breastbone and the spine. The mediastinum contains the trachea (windpipe), esophagus (swallowing tube), the heart and its veins and arteries, the thymus, nerves, fat, and lymph nodMediastinal diseases are conditions that arise from tissues in this cavity. They include cancerous tumors (thymomas, lymphomas, germ cell tumors, carcinoids) and noncancerous tumors (lipoma, teratoma), masses, enlarged lymph nodes, and cysts (bronchogenic, pericardial, esophageal). Mediastinal tumors are rare but due to their location can be serious. As they grow, they can cause pressure on the heart, lungs, esophagus, trachea, and spine. Our group of highly trained thoracic surgeons performs a range of procedures to treat mediastinal diseases most of which can be performed minimal Our thoracic surgeons work closely with UT Southwester’s pulmonologists, oncologists, gastroenterologists, chest radiologists, and pathologists to deliver multidisciplinary comprehensive care – all in one location, and usually on the same day.