Giant Mediastinal Schwannomas
Keywords:
schwannoma gigante; mediastino; tratamiento quirúrgicoAbstract
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Schwannoma is the most common benign tumor of the peripheral nerve sheath. It can occur at any age and in any location in the body. Giant neurilemoma usually presents with local symptoms and is the most common benign tumor of the spinal canal. Symptoms include nerve compression, spinal cord and nerve root pain, paresthesia, and difficulty with movement.
Objective: To present the experience in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with mediastinal neurilemoma.
Development: Two male patients and one female patient, aged between 57 and 74 years, were included in this study. The main symptoms were pain and dyspnea, and the tumors were located in both thoracic apices. In one patient, the lesion was located behind the aortic arch and the left subclavian artery, making it necessary to dissect and control this artery and separate the tumor from the aortic arch. Surgical access was through the fourth intercostal space in both hemithoraces, and there were no surgical accidents or postoperative complications. Data were obtained from the medical records at the time of discharge and during follow-up in the outpatient clinic.
The immediate postoperative period was satisfactory. Follow-up between 5 and 7 years showed that the patients were alive and without evidence of recurrence, as demonstrated by computed tomography. In all cases, the diagnosis was benign giant neurilemoma.
Conclusions: Surgical treatment of benign neurogenic tumors of the mediastinum is highly satisfactory, especially when performed by surgical teams with experience in mediastinal surgery.
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