Correct!
2. There is an anterior mediastinal mass
The mass is in the anterior mediastinum extending to the left side of the thorax anterior to the lung (2). Although it does abut the pericardium, the mass appears outside the pericardium. An esophageal mass would be expected to be more posterior.
The mediastinum is divided by the heart into anterior, middle and posterior compartments (Figure 4).
Figure 4. Left: Illustration on the left of the anterior (A) compartment in green, the middle (M) in tan and the posterior (P) in blue. Right: normal lateral chest radiograph on the left shows the corresponding compartments.
Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis? (Click on the correct answer to proceed to the fifth and final page)