title: [Primary mediastinal masses of benign nature. Clinical classification and criteria of therapy].
abstract: A consecutive series of 34 primary mediastinal masses of benign origin was operated on since 1970 through 1988. Many diagnostic techniques were performed, including traditional x-ray of the chest, scintigraphy, angiography; in the more recent years CT and NMR took the place of traditional tomography. In selected cases hormonal dosages were of value in clarifying the endocrine activity of the masses. The various diagnostic techniques performed are discussed as well as their effectiveness in the preoperative diagnosis of nature, benign or malignant, of the masses. This cannot be reached with precision without opening the thorax. The detail of the 34 cases is reported. In the light of the recent literature, the absolute need for surgical treatment of any mediastinal masses, even if asymptomatic, is debated. This aggressive surgical approach is the only effective way to establish the histological nature of the mass and, at the same time, to obtain the radical cure of the lesion.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ghilardi
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Bortolani
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Vandone
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pizzocari
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008477:Mediastinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D008479:Mediastinal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery
vernacular_title: Masse primitive del mediastino di natura benigna. Inquadramento clinico e criteri di terapia.