title: [Neurogenic spindle-cell tumors of the mediastinum: two cases].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Neurogenic tumors can develop from neural cells in any location. They are commonly found, however, in the mediastinum, most often in its posterior compartment. Neurogenic tumors can be benign or malignant. In the anterior compartment, they must be distinguished from their differential diagnoses.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report one case of a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in the posterior mediastinum of a 29-year-old man and another of a schwannoma of the anterior mediastinum, in an 82-year-old woman.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Neurogenic tumors of spindle-shaped cells in the mediastinum are generally benign, but can be malignant. Often asymptomatic, they are usually detected on standard pulmonary radiography, but computerized tomography is necessary, supplemented by magnetic resonance imaging, especially for posterior mediastinal tumors, to provide additional information and to assess its possible extension to adjacent structures. Radiographic, clinical, and especially histopathological features are essential for diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Service d'anatomie et de cytologie pathologiques, Hôpital d'instruction des Armées Percy, F-92140 Clamart, France. psbpercy@yahoo.fr
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Saint-Blancard
authors.forename: Anass
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Harket
authors.forename: Augustin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bonnichon
authors.forename: René
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jancovici
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008479:Mediastinal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis