Skip to main content

Mediastinal Mass, Pediatric

Michelle L. Hermiston, MD, PhD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Space-occupying lesion of the mediastinum 
  • Anterior mediastinum includes the thymus and other structures anterior to the pericardium.

  • Middle mediastinum contains the heart, great vesse...

DIAGNOSIS

Goal is to quickly establish diagnosis and begin treatment as indicated, as condition may rapidly progress and become life-threatening. If malignancy is suspected, the child should be immedi...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Close monitoring of cardiorespiratory status

  • With cardiorespiratory compromise, avoid positive-pressure ventilation, if feasible.

  • Definitive therapy will be based on the diagno...

ONGOING CARE

ADMISSION, INPATIENT, AND NURSING CONSIDERATIONS

  • Admission criteria

    • All patients with significant mass, until cardiopulmonary risk defined

    • All patients with evidence of significant airway or...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Franco A, Mody NS, Meza MP. Imaging evaluation of pediatric mediastinal masses. Radiol Clin North Am.  2005;43(2):325–353. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]

  • Gothard JW. Anesthetic...

CODES

ICD9

  • 786.6 Swelling, mass, or lump in chest

  • 748.8 Other specified anomalies of respiratory system

  • 212.5 Benign neoplasm of mediastinum

  • 164.9 Malignant neoplasm of mediastinum, part unspecified

  • 748.4 ...

FAQ

  • Q: What should be done if the child is asymptomatic and a mediastinal mass is an incidental finding on chest radiograph?

  • A: Careful history and physical exam with specific attention to pulmonary, c...

Subscribe to Access Full Content

Sign Up for a 10-Day Free Trial

Sign up for a 10-day FREE Trial now and receive full access to all content.

×