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Posterior Mediastinal Tumors

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Tips and Tricks in Thoracic Surgery

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Abstract

The posterior mediastinum begins at the posterior pericardium and ends at the anterior longitudinal ligament. The thoracic inlet and diaphragm, respectively, form the superior and inferior extent, and the pleural reflections comprise the lateral margins. Within this space lies the oesophagus, descending thoracic aorta, thoracic duct, azygos and hemiazygos veins, nerve roots, sympathetic nerves, and proximal intercostal nerves and vessels [1]. The pathologic processes found in the posterior mediastinum vary according to age; 50–75% of posterior mediastinal tumors are of neurogenic origin in infants and adults (up to 95%), while lymphoma is more common in adolescents. Most tumors found in adults originate from the peripheral nerve sheath and are benign [2]. In the pediatric population, posterior neurogenic tumors comprise a greater proportion of all thoracic tumors, and up to 60% are malignant [1, 3].

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. St Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA

    Keith S. Naunheim M.D.

  2. Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, St Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA

    Melanie A. Edwards M.D.

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  1. Keith S. Naunheim M.D.
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Correspondence to Keith S. Naunheim M.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatric Surgery, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom

    Dakshesh Parikh

  2. Regional Department of Thoracic Surgery, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom

    Pala B. Rajesh

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Naunheim, K.S., Edwards, M.A. (2018). Posterior Mediastinal Tumors. In: Parikh, D., Rajesh, P. (eds) Tips and Tricks in Thoracic Surgery. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-7355-7_21

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