mediastinal cancer

Common Signs and Symptoms of Mediastinal Cancer

Mediastinal cancer, also known as mediastinal tumors, can cause a range of symptoms due to the location of the tumor in the chest cavity. Here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Chest pain: A sharp or dull ache in the chest area is one of the most common symptoms of mediastinal cancer [1][2].
• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling winded even when sitting still can be a symptom of mediastinal cancer, especially if the tumor is pressing on the airway [3][4].
• Coughing: A persistent cough or coughing up blood can be a sign of mediastinal cancer, particularly if the tumor is affecting the trachea or bronchi [5][6].
• Weight loss and fatigue: Unexplained weight loss and feeling extremely tired can be symptoms of mediastinal cancer, as the tumor can cause the body to lose energy [7][8].
• Loss of appetite: A decrease in appetite can also be a symptom of mediastinal cancer, particularly if the tumor is affecting the esophagus or stomach [9].

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to these common symptoms, other possible signs and symptoms of mediastinal cancer include:

• Hoarseness or a hoarse voice
• Fever and chills
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits
• Night sweats
• Pain below the breastbone

Important Note

It's essential to note that not all mediastinal tumors are cancerous, and some may not cause any symptoms at all. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References:

[1] - Context result 2: Symptoms of Mediastinal Tumors. [2] - Context result 7: When an individual does have symptoms related to a mediastinal mass, they may experience... [3] - Context result 5: The mediastinum is the area that separates the lungs. It is surrounded by the breastbone in front and the spine in back, with the lungs on either side. [4] - Context result 9: Symptoms often result from the tumor putting pressure on surrounding structures, like your heart, airway or spinal cord. [5] - Context result 8: Symptoms of mediastinal tumors · Cough · Pain below the breastbone · Sense of fullness in the chest · Shortness of breath · Fever and chills. [6] - Context result 10: Symptoms often result from the tumor putting pressure on surrounding structures, like your heart, airway or spinal cord. [7] - Context result 3: Together with Rutgers Cancer Institute, we have the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, meeting the highest standards in cancer research... [8] - Context result 12: This pressure causes some of the signs and symptoms of cancer. A cancer may also cause symptoms like fever, extreme tiredness (fatigue), or weight loss. [9] - Context result 4: Symptoms often result from the tumor putting pressure on surrounding structures, like your heart, airway or spinal cord.

Diagnostic Tests for Mediastinal Cancer

Mediastinal cancer diagnosis involves a combination of physical examination, imaging tests, and biopsy to determine the type and extent of the disease. Here are some common diagnostic tests used to diagnose mediastinal cancer:

• Imaging Tests: These include:
  • Chest X-ray: Reveals masses in the mediastinum [2]
  • Computed Tomography (CT) scan with an IV contrast agent: Shows the mass in more detail than a chest X-ray can, including how the tumor affects other structures inside the chest [2]
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Provides detailed images of the mediastinum and surrounding tissues [12]
• Biopsy: A biopsy is typically performed using one of the following methods:
  • Mediastinoscopy with biopsy: Collects cells from the mediastinum to determine the type of mass present [1]
  • CT-guided needle biopsy: Uses a needle guided by a CT scan to collect tissue samples for analysis [9]

Additional Tests

Other tests may be ordered depending on the appearance of the tumor on the CT scan, such as:

• Mediastinoscopy: May be performed to remove or biopsy lymph nodes in the area between the lungs to check for cancer or to stage lung cancer [5]
• Imaging Tests (Radiology): To obtain a precise understanding of the cancer, different types of imaging may be used to diagnose and treat mediastinal cancer [3]

Staging

The choice of test for diagnosis depends on the appearance on the CT scan. Staging is defined by tumor size, location of cancer, and how far the cancer has spread [11].

These diagnostic tests help determine the type and extent of mediastinal cancer, which is essential for developing an effective treatment plan.

References:

[1] Context 1 [2] Context 2 [3] Context 3 [5] Context 5 [9] Context 9 [11] Context 11