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Mediastinal Tumor
A growth in the mediastinum — the central part of the chest between the lungs that holds the heart, windpipe and major vessels. Tumours here can be benign or cancerous.
Causes & risk factors
- Thymus gland tumours (thymoma)
- Lymphoma
- Germ cell tumours
- Nerve tissue tumours
- Cysts and other growths
Common symptoms
- Chest pain or pressure
- Cough
- Breathlessness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
Tests & diagnosis
- Chest X-ray
- CT scan of chest
- MRI
- Biopsy
- Blood tests
Treatment & management
- Surgery to remove the tumour, often minimally invasive
- Chemotherapy or radiotherapy for certain cancers
- Combined treatment for lymphomas and germ cell tumours
- Regular follow-up scans
When to see a doctor urgently
- See a doctor for persistent chest pain, cough or breathlessness
- Call emergency services for severe breathlessness or swelling of the face and neck
- Get checked for unexplained weight loss or night sweats with chest symptoms
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about mediastinal tumor. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Are all mediastinal tumours cancer?
No — many are benign, but they still often need removal because of their location.
How are they found?
Often on a chest scan done for other reasons, then confirmed with a biopsy.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.