Masses in Mediastinum

Question 1

What are the possible ANTERIOR mediastinal masses (the 4 T’s)?

Answer 1

1. THYMUS:
   a. Thymoma (most common)
   b. Thymic Cyst
   c. Thymic Hyperplasia
   d. Thymolipoma
   e. Thymic Carcinoma
   f. Thymic Carcinoid
2. TERATOMA
3. THYROID (intrathoracic goiter)
4. “Terrible” LYMPHOMA (can be middle or posterior mediastinal)

Question 2

What are the possible POSTERIOR mediastinal masses?

Answer 2

1. NEUROGENIC tumors: schwannoma, neurofibroma, paraganglioma, neuroblastoma (cause neurogenic symptoms by compression).
2. NON-NEUROGENIC: chondrosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, lymphoma.
3. THORACIC AORTIC ANEURYSM