上海市胸科医院胸外科主治医师冯键：攻坚纵隔肿瘤早筛早诊，培育医疗新生力量

Core Insights - The 31st National Cancer Prevention and Control Publicity Week will take place from April 15 to 21, 2025, with the theme "Scientific Cancer Prevention, Healthy Living," aimed at promoting cancer prevention knowledge and encouraging early screening and treatment [1] Group 1: Cancer Statistics and Trends - Cancer remains a major cause of death in China since 2010, with increasing incidence, mortality rates, and disease burden due to factors like genetics, environment, lifestyle, and an aging population [1] - The incidence and mortality rates of cancers such as lung cancer, liver cancer, and colorectal cancer are notably high, while mediastinal tumors are less recognized by the public [2] Group 2: Mediastinal Tumors Overview - Mediastinal tumors are classified based on their location in the mediastinum, which includes critical organs like the thymus, heart, and major blood vessels [2] - Thymic epithelial tumors, including thymoma and thymic carcinoma, are common malignant tumors in this category, with detection rates increasing significantly due to enhanced screening methods [2] Group 3: Diagnosis and Treatment - Early-stage mediastinal tumors often present with subtle symptoms, making timely diagnosis challenging; symptoms may include chest discomfort, cough, and swallowing difficulties [4] - Current treatment options depend on tumor type and malignancy; benign tumors may only require monitoring, while malignant tumors often necessitate surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy [5][6] Group 4: Challenges and Future Directions - There are significant challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of mediastinal tumors, including reliance on physician experience for imaging diagnosis and limited treatment options for certain tumor types [6] - Future advancements may include the use of artificial intelligence for improved diagnostic accuracy and ongoing clinical research to explore new treatment modalities [6] Group 5: Public Awareness and Education - Public misconceptions about mediastinal tumors, such as the belief that all thymomas are benign, hinder timely treatment; education on the importance of regular check-ups and understanding treatment options is crucial [9] - Utilizing social media for medical education can enhance public awareness and understanding of mediastinal tumors, promoting better health outcomes [9]