Mediastinal cysts are a group of benign neoplasms that develop in the mediastinal cavity. To date, numerous studies have not definitively established the causes of these pathologies or methods for preventing their development. Meanwhile, the increasing frequency of occurrence makes the issues of diagnosis and therapy for these diseases among the most relevant in modern thoracic surgery and pulmonology. Treatment of mediastinal cysts in Israel follows an individualized program developed by a team of specialized experts based on the results of a comprehensive examination of the patient. Progressive methods of endoscopic and open surgeries are used for the surgical removal of the tumour.
To quickly normalize well-being and prevent complications, surgical intervention should be performed as early as possible. The modern equipment of Israeli medical centers and the contemporary research methodologies allow for the detection of tumours, determination of their localization, assessment of structural features, and evaluation of the condition of internal organs within just a few days. All types of diagnostic procedures are conducted at pre-scheduled times in comfortable conditions. Reviews left on clinic websites also emphasize that the cost of medical services is reasonable and corresponds to the high quality of treatment.
Treatment Methods for the Disease
Mediastinal cysts are one of the most frequently diagnosed types of benign neoplasms in this area. The danger lies in the significant increase in the size of the tumour, which compresses vital organs, nerves, and blood vessels located in the mediastinum. Significant compression leads to dysfunction, causes characteristic symptoms, and results in the development of threatening complications.
Mediastinal cysts are divided into congenital (primary) and acquired (secondary) types, classified based on localization.
Congenital cysts include:
- celomic — celomic pericardial cysts account for about 15% of all mediastinal oncological formations, structurally similar to pericardial tissues, representing hollow fluid-filled neoplasms with diameters exceeding 20 centimeters;
- gastroenterogenic — embryonic developmental defects, depending on their location, can be intestinal, gastric, or esophageal, usually found in the posterior mediastinum, with rare cases of malignant degeneration;
- bronchogenic — diagnosed in one-third of patients, unilocular, filled with viscous gelatinous material;
- dermoid — very large tumours, with various inclusions (hair, cartilage, teeth, epidermal scales) found in their contents.
The group of acquired mediastinal cysts includes parasitic, lymphatic, and meningeal cysts.
The symptoms of the disease depend on the type and location of the neoplasm, its size, and growth rate. In most cases, pronounced symptoms develop only after the enlarged cyst begins to compress nearby vital structures. Pericardial cysts are often asymptomatic, occasionally presenting with a dry cough, shortness of breath, and palpitations. The development of gastroenterogenic and bronchogenic mediastinal cysts is also associated with cough, difficulty breathing, dysphagia, tachycardia, and chest pain.
The most threatening complication is mediastinal compression syndrome, which develops in a large number of patients. The cyst may compress the airways, heart, and esophagus, leading to the formation of superior vena cava syndrome.
Therapy for the disease necessarily involves the surgical removal of the cyst. Successful surgical treatment at an early stage of the disease often contributes to the rapid alleviation of symptoms and ensures a favorable prognosis.
Surgical Treatment
For the removal of mediastinal cysts, Israeli clinics employ progressive thoracoscopic interventions and traditional open surgeries.
- Thoracoscopic removal of the neoplasm — thoracic surgeons at Israeli medical centers professionally remove the mediastinal cyst using the thoracoscopic method, which does not require opening the chest. In some cases, a mini-thoracotomy procedure is performed under video control.
- Open removal of the mediastinal cyst — the location of the neoplasm in a particular area of the mediastinal cavity determines the choice of intervention method (longitudinal sternotomy, anterior and posterior thoracotomy, lateral thoracotomy). Performing the operation openly gives the surgeon greater freedom of action and the opportunity for thorough intraoperative inspection of the surgical wound.
- Medianostomy — a surgical procedure performed for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes that involves incising the mediastinum. It is indicated in cases of complications, helps reduce high mediastinal pressure, and is used to place drainage in the mediastinal cavity.
- Puncture aspiration — if the presence of accompanying somatic diseases or a severe general condition does not allow for surgical operation, an alternative method for removing the mediastinal cyst is trans-thoracic puncture of the neoplasm followed by drainage and treatment of the cavity with sclerosing agents that cause its adhesion. A 96% ethyl alcohol is often used as a sclerosing agent. The procedure is performed under ultrasound control.
Diagnostic Methods for the Disease
The necessary consultations and examinations are performed in Israel in about three days.
On the day of the patient's arrival in the country, a primary consultation with the leading pulmonologist is conducted, during which the specialist reviews the provided medical documentation and collects a detailed medical history. After performing auscultation and physical examination, the doctor compiles a list of necessary additional examinations.
The assigned examinations include:
- imaging studies (chest X-ray, CT, MRI);
- ultrasound of the mediastinal area;
- echocardiography (ultrasound examination of the heart);
- bronchography;
- bronchoscopy;
- fine-needle biopsy and histological analysis of tumour tissues;
- parasternal thoracotomy;
- mediastinoscopy;
- complete blood count and biochemical blood tests.
The results of the conducted studies are submitted for review by an expert commission consisting of a pulmonologist and specialized experts. After examining the indicators, the doctors make a diagnosis and develop a treatment strategy.
- Biopsy
- Computed Tomography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- X-ray
- Ultrasound
- Blood Biochemistry
How Much Does Treatment Cost
The final cost, which is very important for foreign patients, is determined only after the necessary examinations and therapy are assigned. Treatment in Israeli medical centers costs approximately 30-50% less than in clinics in EU countries and the USA.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- Professionalism and high qualifications of doctors.
- Implementation of innovative treatment methods and medications into clinical practice.
- Availability of modern medical equipment.
- Multidisciplinary approach to the treatment process.
- Affordable prices.
The quality of Israeli medical services allows for comfortable and quick recovery from illness. To restore health and return to a normal life, contact the clinic as soon as possible and undergo the prescribed treatment.