Concept in Definition ABC

The Mediastinum is the central or middle part of the thorax, it is delimited by the lungs to the sides, the sternum and the ribs forward and the spine backwards, separated from the abdomen by the diaphragm.

Its importance lies in the fact that there are closely related all the organs and structures of the thorax, except the lungs.

Elements that make it up

There are a large number of vital structures in the mediastinum such as:

- The heart and the great vessels that come out of it (aorta artery and pulmonary arteries) or that reach it (superior and inferior vena cava).
- The trachea and the main bronchi.
- The esophagus, in the case of the presence of a hiatal hernia the upper part of the stomach.
- Nerve trunks that regulate the neurovegetative function of the apparatus circulatory and digestive, such as the vagus nerve and the left recurrent laryngeal nerve.
- Lymph nodes.
- The scam during the childhood and its vestiges in adulthood.

Mediastinal Diseases

The mediastinum can be the seat of a wide variety of disorders, these include infectious diseases, benign tumors, malignant tumors, glandular growths as occurs in the case of the thyroid and the thymus, lesions of the arteries, lesions of the trachea and bronchi, problems of the esophagus, nerve lesions or abnormalities of the lymph nodes lymphatics.

In any case, the fact that all the elements of the mediastinum are in a very close relationship leads to the alterations that are located in this anatomical region may affect respiratory and circulatory function to a greater or lesser extent grade.

Mediastinal Manifestations

The manifestations of a mediastinal problem are highly variable and will depend on the nature of the problem and its location, usually accompanied by pain, swallowing disorders, shortness of breath, persistent cough, fainting or even dysphonia due to involvement of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve originating in the chest from where it ascends to the larynx.

When a mediastinal lesion is suspected, it is necessary to carry out a study of picture such as chest tomography, this is usually performed after the administration in contrast to the purpose to be able to better evaluate the various structures that comprise it.

In many cases, mediastinal lesions merit being treated with surgery since they are conditions that must be corrected or correspond to tumors that must be removed. In the case of malignant lesions, it may be necessary to complement the surgery with the administration of radiation or chemotherapy.