The mediastinum is the space left in the median portion of the chest by the non-approximation of the two pleura. it extends from the sternum in front to the spine behind and contains all thethorax excepting the lungs (GRAY). 

A Mediastinal tumors is a tumor in this space

CAUSES OF MEDIASTINAL TUMORS

There are several types of mediastinal tumors, with their causes linked to where they form in the mediastinum.

Anterior (front) Mediastinal

• Lymphoma: These malignant tumors include both Hodgkin's disease and non Hodgkin's lymphoma.
• Thymoma and thymic cyst: These are the most common causes of a thymic mass. The majority of thymomas are benign and surrounded by a fibrous capsule. However, about 30% of these may be more aggressive and grow through the sac into other tissue.
• Germ cell: The majority of germ cell neoplasms (60 to 70%) are benign and are found in both males and females.
• Thyroid mass mediastinal: This is usually a benign growth, such as a goiter.

Middle Mediastinal

• Bronchogenic cyst : This is a benign growth with respiratory origins.
• Lymphadenopathy mediastinal: This is an enlargement of the lymph nodes.
• Pericardial cyst: This is a benign growth that results from an "out-pouching" of the pericardium (the heart's lining).
• Tracheal tumors: These can be benign or malignant.
• Esophageal tumors: These can be benign or malignant.
• Esophageal abnormalities: These include achalasia esophageal, diverticulum, and hiatal hernia.
• Vascular abnormalities: These include aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection.

Posterior (back) Mediastinal

• Neurogenic tumors: The most common cause of posterior mediastinal tumors, these are classified as nerve sheath neoplasms, ganglion cell neoplasms, and paraganglionic cell neoplasms. Approximately 70% of neurogenic neoplasms are benign.
• Lymphadenopathy: This refers to an enlargement of the lymph nodes.
• Extramedullary haematopoiesis: This is a rare cause of masses that form from bone marrow expansion and are associated with severe anemia.
• Neuroenteric cyst: This is a rare growth, which involves both neural and gastrointestinal elements.
• Paravertebral abnormalities: These include infectious, malignant and traumatic abnormalities of the thoracic spine.
• Vascular abnormalities: These include aortic aneurysms.

 SYMPTOMS OF MEDIASTINAL TUMORS

Almost 40% of people who have mediastinal tumors experience no symptoms. Most of the growths are often discovered on a chest X-ray that is performed for another reason. Symptoms often result from the pressure put by the tumors onto surrounding structures, such as the spinal cord, heart or the pericardium (the heart's lining), and may include:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain (somewhat rare)
• Flushing
• Fever
• Chills
• Night sweats
• Coughing up blood
• Hoarseness
• Unexplained weight loss
• Lymphadenopathy (swollen or tender lymph nodes)
• Wheezing
• Stridor (high-pitched and noisy breathing, which could mean a blockage)
• Eye issues (drooping eyelid, small pupil) on one side of the face

RISK FACTOR OF MEDIASTINAL TUMORS

In general, mediastinal tumors are rare. Mediastinal tumors are usually diagnosed in patients aged 30 to 50 years, but they can develop at any age and form from any tissue that exists in or passes through the chest cavity.

The location of tumors within the mediastinum varies according to the age of the patient. In children, tumors are commonly found in the posterior (back) mediastinum. These mediastinal tumors often begin in the nerves and are typically not cancerous.

In adults, most mediastinal tumors occur in the anterior (front) mediastinum and are generally malignant (cancerous) lymphomas or thymomas

Due to their location, mediastinal tumors that are not treated can cause serious problems, even if they are not cancerous. These problems include spreading to the heart, pericardium (the lining around the heart), and great vessels (the aorta and vena cava). Tumors located in the posterior (back) mediastinum can cause compression of the spinal cord.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR MEDIASTINAL TUMORS

Homeopathy is one of the most popular holistic systems of medicine. The selection of remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach.

The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat  symptoms but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. As far as therapeutic medication is concerned; several well-proved medicines are available for treatment of mediastinum tumor symptoms that can be selected on the basis of cause, location, sensation, modalities and extension of the complaints.

For individualized remedy selection and treatment, the patient should consult a qualified homeopathic doctor in person. Some important homeopathic remedies are given below for mediastinum tumor treatment:

• Calcarea flour 
• Lapis albus 
• Silicea can 
• Hecla lava 
• Bryta carb 
• Iodium
• conium