Abstract:
Background. Mediastinal lymphomas belong to a major group of malignant thoracic tumors,
mainly involving the prevascular compartment. Their anatomical location and insidious
progression often lead to nonspecific clinical manifestations, significantly delaying the
establishment of a definitive diagnosis.
Objective(s). This study aims to analyze the specific symptoms of mediastinal lymphomas,
highlight diagnostic challenges, and outline the patient’s management pathway within a
multidisciplinary framework.
Materials and methods. This research is based on a review of recent scientific literature
(2014–2024), sourced from databases such as PubMed, StatPearls, and Radiopaedia.
Relevant retrospective studies and systematic reviews on clinical features and diagnostic
methods were included, accessed via platforms like NCBI, SpringerLink, and ScienceDirect.
Results. Mediastinal lymphomas frequently present with symptoms such as dyspnea,
persistent cough, retrosternal chest pain, superior vena cava syndrome, and
lymphadenopathy. Nevertheless, 30–50% of patients are asymptomatic at onset, with the
lymphoma often detected incidentally during imaging performed for unrelated conditions.
Systemic symptoms such as fever, night sweats, and unintentional weight loss typically
indicate widespread disease. CT and PET-CT imaging play a crucial role in determining the
location and extent of the tumor mass. Excisional biopsy remains the preferred method for
accurate histopathological and immunohistochemical diagnosis.
Conclusion(s). Diagnosing mediastinal lymphomas is a complex process requiring the
integration of clinical, imaging, and morphological data. Interdisciplinary collaboration
among pulmonology, hematology, oncology, and radiology is essential for optimal
therapeutic strategies and improved patient outcomes.
