Mediastinal Cancer

Program Overview. At The Lacks Cancer Center at Saint Mary’s Health Care our cancer treatment programs are increasing hope everyday, thanks to a unique multidisciplinary model of care, which incorporates a staff of progressive physicians, and the most innovative technologies available. In addition to this model, we continually review and apply the latest anti-cancer drugs, the newest staging and imaging techniques—such as PET scan technology, and the most effective surgical procedures to ensure the best outcomes in the treatment of mediastinal cancer.

Mediastinal Cancer Overview. The mediastinum is the area in the middle of the chest between the lungs that contains the heart, esophagus, trachea, thymus, and lymph nodes of the central chest. Mediastinal cancers are classified by their location in either the anterior (front), middle or posterior (rear) mediastinum. Common locations vary according to the age of the patient. In children, tumors are typically found in the posterior mediastinum and are often benign (not cancerous). Mediastinal tumors in adults age 30-50 usually occur in the anterior mediastinum as malignant (cancerous) lymphomas or thymomas. These tumors are not ordinarily accompanied by noticable symptoms.

Become part of our Multidisciplinary Lung Clinic through a referral from your primary care physician or with a self-referral by calling 1-877-LACKS-MI or 616-685-LACK(S).