Thoracic Mass(es)

Thoracic masses are abnormal growths that develop within the chest cavity. These masses can arise from various areas within the thorax, including the lungs, heart, mediastinum, pleura space, or chest wall. They can be benign or malignant. Depending on size and location, common clinical signs may include coughing, difficulty breathing, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies and biopsy. Treatment options can include surgery, supportive care and prognosis varies depending on the underlying cause.
 

Normal

• No visible mass
  • The lung tissue within the field of view does not include any rounded opacity characteristic of masses and/or nodules.

• An round esophageal foreign body that may mimic the appearance of a mass
  • A rounded soft tissue structure is observed but is identified as an esophageal foreign body on the VD/DV views.

• A hiatal or diaphragmatic hernia that may appear rounded and may mimic the appearance of a mass.
  • A rounded opacity is present in the thorax but is identified as esophagus/stomach or other organ originating from the abdominal cavity as with a hiatal or diaphragmatic hernia.

• Opacities noted within the field of view are consistent with; 

Osteomata  Mineralized bronchial plugging

End-on vessels Prominent Aorta

Patchy patterns  Left atrial enlargement.

• Overlying cutaneous structure that may mimic a pulmonary nodule

Nipple Subcutaneous mass

• Consolidated lung lobe
  • Opacity is characteristic of a consolidated lobe or atelectasis. Should be considered a parenchymal pattern vs mass if no rounded margins are present.

Abnormal

• Nodule or nodules present
  • Presence of one or more round, distinctly marginated, homogeneous soft tissue opacity of at least 3mm in diameter.

• Mass or masses present
  • Presence of one or more round, distinctly marginated, homogeneous soft tissue opacity of at least 2cm in diameter.

• Presence of pulmonary bulla(e)
  • Presence of one or more rounded focal regions of emphysema with a thin wall.

• Presence of a cavitated mass
  • Presence of one or more radiolucent areas contained within a consolidation, mass, or nodule accompanied by thick walls. 

• Lymphadenopathy 

Sternal    Tracheobronchial

• Cranial thoracic mass
  • Presence of a mass within the cranial mediastinum

• Chest wall or pleural space mass that penetrates into the thoracic cavity
  • Presence of a soft tissue opacity not associated with the lungs but within the thoracic cavity.