Congenital cysts are typically unilocular and thin-walled to the point of translucency; careful histopathologic examination shows no evidence of inflammation. In contrast, acquired thymic cysts are usually multilocular, hence the commonly used term “multilocular thymic cyst (MTC).” These cysts have thick, fibrous walls, and histopathologic examination typically reveals significant inflammation ...

We present a 52-year-old gentleman with an unusual cause of progressive dysphagia, namely due to extrinsic lower oesophageal compression from a cystic mass of the posterior mediastinum. Cystic masses in adults are uncommon, and there is a wide differential diagnosis. This includes neoplastic, such as germ cell tumour (cystic teratoma), and non-neoplastic aetiologies. The later include foregut d...

Teratomas are one of the most frequent tumors in the pediatric population. They occur anywhere along the midline of the body, following the course of the embryonic germ cell ridge. In the mediastinal location, they exert space occupying effects, leading to a myriad of complications, including non-immune hydrops fetalis. We describe a fatal case of an immature thymic teratoma in a neonate presen...

Mediastinum is a common site where benign tumors, like teratomas, can develop. Usually, these lesions do not cause any symptoms and the diagnosis is reached accidentally. As they enlarge they may cause symptoms by compressing the nearby structures of the thorax, mostly the trachea and the bronchi. Extrinsic compression of the heart or the great vessels appears to be a very rare occurrence. Atri...