Background: Mediastinal tumors in children comprise a heterogeneous group of lesions from a range of embryonic origins. They may present as benign cysts or malignant lesions. Mediastinal tumors in children and adolescents result in significant morbidity and mortality. Lymphoma is more common in the anterior mediastinum and neurogenic tumors are more common in the posterior mediastinum. Surgery is an important measure used in the diagnosis and treatment of such lesions. This study was to evaluate the strategy of surgical treatment of mediastinal tumors in children. 

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data from 61 children with mediastinal tumor treated in our department from 1994 to 2006.

Results: Forty-four patients had benign tumors (72.1%), and 17 malignant tumors (27.9%). Fifty patients were subjected to complete resection, 8 to partial resection, and 3 to biopsy. Thirty-nine patients were followed up for 3 years; the survival rate of patients with benign tumors was 100%, and that of patients with malignant tumors was 44%.

Conclusions: Thoracic computerized tomography (CT) scan is the first choice before operation; patients with benign mediastinal tumors may have good outcome after surgical treatment. Anaesthesia and perioperative management are of crucial importance.

Key words: mediastinal tumor; surgical treatment; children