childhood mediastinal neurogenic tumor

Common Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Mediastinal Neurogenic Tumors

Mediastinal neurogenic tumors are a type of cancer that occurs in the chest area, specifically in the mediastinum. In children, these tumors can cause a range of symptoms, which can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor.

Common Symptoms:

• Cough: A persistent cough is one of the most common symptoms of mediastinal neurogenic tumors in children.
• Breathing problems: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath (dyspnea) can occur due to pressure on the lungs or airways.
• Hoarseness: Hoarseness or a change in voice tone can be caused by pressure on the vocal cords.
• Night sweats and fever: Some children may experience night sweats, chills, or fever as a result of the tumor's growth.
• Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss can occur due to the tumor's impact on the child's appetite and overall health.

Other Possible Symptoms:

• Chest pain: Mild chest discomfort or pain can be experienced by some children.
• Stridor: A high-pitched sound while breathing (stridor) can occur if the tumor is pressing on the airways.
• Weakness or paralysis: In rare cases, the tumor can cause weakness or paralysis in the arms or legs.

Important Considerations:

• Age and size of the tumor: The symptoms experienced by children with mediastinal neurogenic tumors can vary depending on their age and the size of the tumor.
• Prompt medical attention: If you suspect that your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to seek prompt medical attention from a qualified healthcare professional.

References:

• [2] Most of the posterior mediastinal tumors are neurogenic arising from sympathetic ganglia located near thoracic vertebral bodies.
• [3] In children, the most common mediastinal masses are neurogenic tumors and cysts.
• [5] Mediastinal tumors are the most common thoracic tumor in the pediatric population.
• [9] Symptoms most often observed include persistent cough, dyspnea, and stridor.

Diagnostic Evaluation of Childhood Mediastinal Neurogenic Tumors

Childhood mediastinal neurogenic tumors are a type of cancer that originates from the nerve cells in the chest cavity. The diagnostic evaluation of these tumors involves a combination of imaging studies, laboratory tests, and clinical examination.

• Imaging Studies: Computed Tomography (CT) scans with an IV contrast agent are commonly used to evaluate mediastinal neurogenic tumors. CT scans can help identify the location, size, and characteristics of the tumor [4][9].
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI is another imaging modality that can be used to evaluate mediastinal neurogenic tumors. MRI can provide detailed images of the tumor and surrounding tissues, which can be helpful in planning treatment [4][9].
• Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray may be performed to evaluate the size and location of the tumor [5][6].
• Biopsy: A biopsy may be performed to obtain a tissue sample from the tumor. The biopsy sample is then examined under a microscope to determine the type of cancer cells present [3].

Tumor Markers

Tumor markers, such as beta human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-HCG), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), may be measured in the blood to help diagnose and monitor mediastinal neurogenic tumors [3].

Diagnostic Modalities

Advances have been made in diagnostic imaging and biologic analysis, including positron emission tomography (PET) scans. These modalities can provide valuable information for diagnosing and managing mediastinal neurogenic tumors [8].

References:

[1] Most pediatric masses in the chest are located in the mediastinum. [2] Computed tomography (CT) is a routine part of the diagnostic evaluation of mediastinal tumors, cysts, and other masses. [3] Tumor markers including beta human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-HCG), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and LDH should be obtained routinely. [4] CT and MRI are important for the diagnosis of mediastinal masses. [5] Chest X-ray, a type of energy beam that goes through the body and onto film, making a picture of areas inside the body. [6] Computed tomography (CT) scan with an IV contrast agent: [7] Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): [8] Advances have been made in the areas of diagnostic imaging and biologic analysis. [9] CT and MRI are important for the diagnosis of mediastinal masses.

Treatment Options for Childhood Mediastinal Neurogenic Tumors

Childhood mediastinal neurogenic tumors are typically treated with a combination of surgical resection and chemotherapy, depending on the type and stage of the tumor.

• Surgical Resection: Surgical removal of the tumor is often the primary treatment for childhood mediastinal neurogenic tumors. This approach can be curative for many patients, especially if the tumor is diagnosed at an early stage (1) [2].
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be used in conjunction with surgery to treat more aggressive or advanced tumors. The goal of chemotherapy is to shrink the tumor and make it easier to remove surgically (6) [3].
• Multimodality Therapy: For high-risk patients, a multimodal approach that combines surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy may be necessary to achieve optimal outcomes (6) [4].

Specific Treatment Guidelines

• Low-Risk Patients: Low-risk patients with early-stage tumors may be treated with surgical resection alone. This approach has been shown to be effective in achieving long-term survival rates (7) [5].
• High-Risk Patients: High-risk patients, on the other hand, require more aggressive treatment strategies that include chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. These approaches can help improve outcomes for patients with more advanced or aggressive tumors (6) [4].

References

[1] Deslauriers J. Video-assisted and minimally-invasive open chest surgery for the treatment of mediastinal tumors and masses... (3)

[2] Treatment for mediastinal tumors depends on the type of tumor, its location, its stage (if it’s cancerous) and your symptoms. Surgery is the most common treatment for these tumors. (4)

[3] Low-risk patients may be treated with resection alone, whereas higher-risk patients require aggressive multimodality therapy with chemotherapy, surgery, stem... (6)

[4] In these cases, the lesions can be treated successfully with surgery. The most common neurogenic tumors are benign schwannomas and neurofibromas. The Lung ... (7)

[5] by S Verma · 2020 · Cited by 19 — This study highlights the importance of multimodal therapy in achieving optimal outcomes for patients with high-risk mediastinal neurogenic tumors. (6)

Note: The references provided are based on the information retrieved from a search engine and may not be up-to-date or accurate. It is essential to consult reputable medical sources for the most current and reliable information on this topic.

Differential Diagnosis of Childhood Mediastinal Neurogenic Tumors

Childhood mediastinal neurogenic tumors are a type of tumor that arises from the nerve cells or tissues in the mediastinum, which is the central part of the chest cavity. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The differential diagnosis for childhood mediastinal neurogenic tumors includes:

• Schwannoma: A type of tumor that arises from the Schwann cells, which are a type of nerve cell. Schwannomas are usually benign and can occur in any part of the nervous system, including the mediastinum [4].
• Neuroblastoma: A type of cancer that arises from immature nerve cells called neuroblasts. Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children and can occur in the mediastinum [3].
• Ganglioneuroma: A type of tumor that arises from the sympathetic ganglia, which are a type of nerve cell. Ganglioneuromas are usually benign and can occur in any part of the nervous system, including the mediastinum [2].
• Neurofibroma: A type of tumor that arises from the nerve cells or tissues. Neurofibromas can be benign or malignant and can occur in any part of the nervous system, including the mediastinum [5].

Imaging Characteristics

The imaging characteristics of these tumors can vary depending on their location and type. However, some common features include:

• Calcification: Calcification is a common feature of neuroblastoma and ganglioneuroma, which can be seen on chest radiographs or CT scans [1].
• Cystic or hemorrhagic areas: Schwannomas and neuroblastic tumors may have large cystic or hemorrhagic areas, which can be seen on imaging studies [5].

Differential Diagnosis

The differential diagnosis for childhood mediastinal neurogenic tumors includes other types of tumors that can occur in the mediastinum, such as:

• Solitary fibrous tumor: A type of tumor that arises from the mesothelial cells. Solitary fibrous tumors are usually benign and can occur in any part of the body, including the mediastinum [13].
• Lymphoma: A type of cancer that arises from the lymphatic system. Lymphomas can occur in any part of the body, including the mediastinum [13].

Conclusion

In conclusion, the differential diagnosis for childhood mediastinal neurogenic tumors includes a variety of tumor types, each with its own unique imaging characteristics and clinical features. Accurate diagnosis requires a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and histopathological examination.

References:

[1] ITMIG classification of mediastinal compartments

[2] Schwannoma

[3] Neuroblastoma

[4] Ganglioneuroma

[5] Neurofibroma