Mediastinal Cyst

A mediastinal cyst is a fluid-filled sac located in the mediastinum, the area in the chest between the lungs that contains the heart, trachea, and major blood vessels. These cysts are usually congenital (present from birth) but can also develop later. Many mediastinal cysts cause no symptoms and are found incidentally during imaging tests. When symptoms occur, they may include chest pain, cough, or breathing difficulties due to pressure on nearby structures. Treatment often involves surgical removal if the cyst causes problems or has potential for growth, but many are benign and require minimal intervention.