What is mediastinal tumor?

Mediastinal tumors refer to a general term for tumors occurring in the mediastinum region of the thoracic cavity. Causes include abnormal proliferation of primary mediastinal tissues, invasion by metastatic tumors, genetic factors, exposure to environmental carcinogens, and chronic inflammatory stimulation. If symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, or cough occur, timely medical evaluation is necessary.

1. Abnormal proliferation of primary mediastinal tissues: The mediastinum contains various tissue organs, including lymph nodes, thymus, and neural tissues. Abnormal proliferation during development of these tissues may lead to benign or malignant tumors. Common types include thymoma, neurogenic tumors, and lymphoma. Tumors originating from different tissues vary in clinical manifestations and prognosis.

2. Invasion by metastatic tumors: Malignant tumors originating in other parts of the body—such as lung cancer, breast cancer, and esophageal cancer—may spread to the mediastinum via lymphatic or hematogenous routes, forming metastatic mediastinal tumors. These tumors are mostly malignant and often indicate that the primary cancer has progressed to an intermediate or advanced stage.

3. Genetic factors: Some mediastinal tumors show familial inheritance tendencies. Individuals with a family history of mediastinal tumors or other malignancies in first-degree relatives may have an increased risk of developing the disease, which is closely related to genetic mutations leading to dysregulation of cell proliferation.

4. Exposure to environmental carcinogens: Long-term exposure to environmental carcinogens such as asbestos, formaldehyde, and radioactive substances can damage DNA in mediastinal tissue cells, induce gene mutations, and increase the likelihood of tumor development. People working in high-risk occupations or living in polluted environments face higher risks.

5. Chronic inflammatory stimulation: Prolonged chronic inflammation in the mediastinal area—such as chronic mediastinitis or recurrent pulmonary infections—can cause repeated local tissue repair and hyperplasia. Over time, this may lead to abnormal cell proliferation and eventually tumor formation. Such tumors are often benign initially but may undergo malignant transformation if inflammation persists.

Treatment primarily involves surgical resection. For malignant tumors, comprehensive treatment including radiotherapy and chemotherapy is required. Nursing care should ensure adequate nutritional intake, avoid fatigue and respiratory tract infections, maintain regular作息 (daily routines), and conduct regular follow-up examinations to monitor disease progression, thereby improving prognosis and quality of life.