Thoracoscopic resection of a cavernous haemangioma of anterior mediastinum: case report and literature review

BACKGROUND: Mediastinal haemangioma is a rare type of tumour and accounts for ≤0.5% of all mediastinal tumours. Mediastinal haemangioma is often nonspecific upon examination by imaging. Mediastinal haemangioma diagnosis is difficult to confirm before surgery because the characteristic features of diagnostic imaging are poor, and these lesions are extremely rarely encountered in clinical practice. CASE DESCRIPTION: We herein report a case of thoracoscopic resection of a cavernous haemangioma in the anterior mediastinum. A 40-year-old man was referred to our hospital for a health examination. A chest computed tomography scan showed a mass with irregular contrast enhancement and a smooth surface. Using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, the tumour was completely extirpated and confirmed histologically to be a cavernous haemangioma. The patient recovered well, was discharged, he has since had no recurrences, and continues to be closely monitored as an outpatient. CONCLUSIONS: Mediastinal haemangiomas, a rare type of mediastinal tumour, are typically benign and located in the anterior mediastinum, and lack specific symptoms and relevant imaging features. We found that minimally invasive thoracoscopic resection provided a satisfactory view and facilitated correct handling of a mediastinal cavernous haemangioma. Although such tumours are mostly benign and the prognosis is good, we recommend aggressive surgical management to avoid missing malignant lesions.