MANAGEMENT OF INTRATHORACIC NERVE TUMORS IN YOUNG CHILDREN

[摘要] A brief review of the literature referring to intrathoracic nerve tumors in children is presented. The neurogenic tumors have an expected incidence of malignancy of about 40%.Four case histories are reported in which neurogenic tumors of the posterior mediastinum were removed with apparent cure. Only one of these children had objective or subjective signs which could be attributed to their neoplasms. All of the neoplasms were benign.Prompt thoracotomy is advocated in the child with a suspected neurogenic tumor of the mediastinum. Periods of observation, procrastination and roentgen therapy are to be condemned for it is impossible to predict with any degree of certainty which tumor will or already has undergone malignant changes. A brief discussion of the operative management and complications is presented.

[学科分类] 儿科学