Neurogenic tumors of the mediastinum in children

Neurogenic tumors of the mediastinum are among the most common mediastinal tumors. They include nerve sheath, autonomic nervous system, and paragangli onic tumors and malignant small cell tumor. Neurogenic tumors arise primari ly in the paravertebral sulcus. They are most frequently identified as asym ptomatic lesions on routine chest X-rays. The majority of symptoms can be r elated either to compression of neural elements or other intrathoracic stru ctures or to excess production of biogenic amines. Complete surgical excisi on performed by a thoracotomy approach offers the best opportunity for cure . In the case of tumors with extension into the spinal canal, a combined th oracic and neurosurgical approach should be performed.