The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 19, 371-377, Copyright © 1975 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Seminoma of the anterior mediastinum
M Sterchi and AR Cordell
Primary pure cell seminoma of the mediastinum is a rare and potentially
fatal lesion. Encroachment on or invasion of adjacent structures is common,
as are distant metastases. The differentiation between pure cell seminomas
and mixed germ cell tumors should be made since the extreme
radiosensitivity of seminomas improves the prognosis. The presence of
metastases from primary mediastinal seminomas, as with testicular
germinomas, need not be a deterrent to long-term cure. Recommended therapy
consists of total or subtotal removal, radiation therapy (2,500 to 3,500
rads delivered over 2 to 4 weeks), and, in some patients, chemotherapy. A
patient who was successfully treated with subtotal removal and irradiation
is presented.