Neurogenic tumors of the posterior mediastinum

The posterior mediastinum is the potential space along each side of the vertebral column and adjacent proximal portions of the ribs--the paravertebral sulci. From the posterior mediastinal tumors, the most commonly encountered are the neurogenic tumors (75%), the remaining 25% are represented by a heterogenous group of rare tumors including teratoma, lymphoma, sarcoma and other lesions arising outside the mediastinum and projecting into the posterior compartment. Surgical excision, by thoracotomy or miniinvasive techniques, is the first line of treatment in the posterior mediastinal tumors. Tumors with extension into the spinal canal (dumbbell tumors), accounting for nearly 10% of the posterior mediastinal tumors, require a multidisciplinary approach: thoracic surgeon and neurosurgeon. We present the experience of the "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Thoracic Surgery Clinic in the surgery of neurogenic posterior mediastinal tumors throughout a 9 year period (2001 - 2010). 42 cases admitted and operated in this period are being analysed.