Neurogenic tumors of the thorax

We have conducted a retrospective review of 134 cases of neurogenic tumors of the thorax, including 66 in infants and children and 68 in adults.Nerve cell tumors were the majority in infants and children (84.8%) and were mostly malignant (67.2%).Nerve sheath tumors were more frequent in adults (73.5%).Nerve cell tumors were the most frequent tumors in males and nerve sheath tumors in females.Nineteen tumors were associated with von Recklinghausen's disease.The tumors were symptomatic in 76.4% of children and 36.7% of adults.Spinal cord compression was observed in 8 infants and children and in 2 adults.Nee-adjuvant treatment was administrated to 3 patients.Resection was complete for 80 benign tumors out of 86 (93%) and for 26 malignant tumors out of 48 (54%).Postoperative chemo-or radiotherapy (or both) was N eu ro genic tumors of the thorax grow from cells originating in the embryonic neural crest which normally constitute spinal ganglia, paraganglionic, and parasympathetic systems.They may be associated with any neurogenic structure within the thorax, but are most often situated in the paravertebral area, in connection with the sympathetic chain, rami communicantes, or intercostal nerves.They often are in close proximity to the intraspinal canal.They can be multifocal and associated with cutaneous tumors of the same ectodermic origin.Their cellular structures are not always homogeneous and they vary in degree of maturation and malignancy.Some tumors secrete catecholamines or their degradation products.Neurogenic tumors can also grow from connective tissue constituting nerve sheaths.They are observed in children and adults, with different patterns for each. Material and MethodsFrom 1967 to 1992, 134 neurogenic tumors of the thorax were treated in a series of 1,046 mediastinal tumors.Sixty-six patients were less than 15 years of age (4 weeks to 14 years 6 months; mean, 4 years 9 months; 32 male and 34 female patients) and 68 were older than 15 years (16 to 65 years; mean, 35 years 1 month; 34 male and 34 female patients).Our retrospective study considered pathologic types, preoperative evaluation, operative procedures and adjuvant treatments, results, and survival.The children were followed up every 6 months for 2 years postoperatively, and then yearly.The adults were followed up at 6 months postoperatively, then yearly