UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
Thoracic surgeons Jessica Donington, MD, and Mark Ferguson, MD
Thoracic surgeons Jessica Donington, MD, and Mark Ferguson, MD, have many years of experience treating mediastinal tumors.

Mediastinal tumors are tumors that develop in the mediastinum — the area of the chest that separates the lungs and contains the heart, aorta, esophagus, thymus and trachea. Tumors of the mediastinum may be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous).

Mediastinal tumors can form and grow in the thymic, nerve, lymphatic or soft tissue. They are seen in the front (anterior), middle or back (posterior) of the mediastinum. In adults, the tumor is typically located in the front and is a malignant thymoma or lymphoma. In children, the tumor is usually located in the back, where it forms in the nerves and is typically benign.

Specialized Care for Thymoma and Thymic Cancers

Our Thymoma and Thymic Malignancies Program holds a twice-monthly clinic that brings together specialists in oncology, thoracic surgery, neurology and rheumatology/immunology to provide focused, coordinated care for these rare cancers.

Experienced Cancer Team

At the University of Chicago Medicine, patients with a mediastinal tumor are diagnosed and treated by one of the most experienced cancer teams in the nation. Our oncologists and thoracic surgeons are members of the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Care Center, a nationally recognized center at the forefront of cancer research and treatment and one of two NCI-designated Comprehensive Care Centers in Illinois. Our board-certified thoracic surgeons focus exclusively on surgery of the lungs and the chest cavity and are experts in minimally invasive surgery including robotic and video-assisted techniques.

Diagnosis

Many patients with mediastinal tumors have no symptoms. Others may experience one or more of the following symptoms as a result of the tumor pressing on surrounding organs and structures:

  • Chest pain
  • Coughing or wheezing 
  • Fever and/or chills 
  • Hoarseness
  • Neck swelling
  • Night sweats
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Unintended weight loss

Most mediastinal tumors are discovered when a patient has a chest X-ray performed after experiencing these symptoms or for another unrelated condition. Follow-up tests may include:

  • CT chest scan
  • CT-guided needle biopsy
  • MRI
  • Mediastinoscopy with biopsy — a minimally invasive technique that involves a lighted tube placed through a small incision in the neck. A small sample of tissue is taken for diagnostic purposes.

Comprehensive Care

The oncologists and thoracic surgeons at UChicago Medicine are at the forefront of care for tumors of the lung and chest. This team collaborates to plan the best and least invasive treatment plan for each patient. Depending on the type, stage and location of the tumor, surgery or minimally invasive procedures are used in combination with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.

Chemotherapy, Radiation & Targeted Therapies

Chemotherapy is usually given before or after surgery to reduce or destroy any remaining cancer cells. Radiation may be used before or after surgery in combination with the chemotherapy. In addition to conventional chemotherapy and radiation, we also offer clinical trials and/or targeted therapies for these tumors. Our comprehensive approach “individualizes” the therapy to the patient’s tumor.

Surgery

When surgery is recommended, our thoracic surgeons use a minimally invasive approach whenever possible. These procedures include video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) and robotic-assisted surgery. Patients experience reduced pain, less scarring and a quicker recovery following a minimally invasive surgical procedure.

Medical oncologist Kenneth Cohen, MD, pointing to a computer and talking with a patient

Cancer Care Second Opinions

Request a second opinion from UChicago Medicine experts in cancer care.

researcher in cancer lab

Participate in a Clinical Trial

UChicago Medicine cancer experts are actively conducting clinical trials of new and promising treatments.

Thoracic surgeon Mark Ferguson, MD, in surgery

Experts in Thoracic Surgery

Our thoracic surgeons offer a range of treatments, many using minimally invasive techniques.

Request an Appointment for Cancer Care

We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 1-855-702-8222 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

For Referring Physicians

To refer a patient for cancer care, please call UCM Physician Connect at 1-800-824-2282

 
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By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.