Hemangioma of the mediastinum

Abstract A case of successful surgical removal of benign mediastinal hemangioma in an infant is reported. Since these tumors cannot be differentiated from other mediastinal tumors, early exploratory operation is advisable. The size, shape and position of hemangiomata are not diagnostic, and the normal aids to diagnosis are not exceedingly helpful. Frequently, rapid increase in size from hemorrhage into the tumor with symptoms of mediastinal compression necessitates early operation. Although this type of tumor is rare, more cases are being reported and a greater number of surgical cures are possible. The malignant variety is difficult to differentiate at operation from a benign form with extensive infiltration into and binding of mediastinal structures. In such cases resection is well nigh impossible.