Pictorial essay of radiological features of benign intrathoracic masses

Abstract

With increased exposure of patients to routine imaging, incidental benign intrathoracic masses are frequently recognized. Most have classical imaging features, which are pathognomonic for their benignity. The aim of this pictorial review is to educate the reader of radiological features of several types of intrathoracic masses. The masses are categorized based on their location/origin and are grouped into parenchymal, pleural, mediastinal, or bronchial. Thoracic wall masses that invade the thorax such as neurofibromas and lipomas are included as they may mimic intrathoracic masses. All examples are illustrated and include pulmonary hamartoma, pleural fibroma, sarcoidosis, bronchial carcinoid, and bronchoceles together with a variety of mediastinal cysts on plain radiographs, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Sometimes a multimodality approach would be needed to confirm the diagnosis in atypical cases. The study would include the incorporation of radionuclide studies and relevant discussion in a multidisciplinary setting.

Endobronchial Hamartoma Subtotally Occluding the Right Main Bronchus and Mimicking Bronchial Carcinoid Tumor

“… 2 At careful revision of the pertinent literature, there aren’t reported specific radiological features of EH; generally, they appear as ovoid low-density endobronchial lesions, 3 with a smooth edge, focal fat, or fat alternating with calcific foci (popcorn calcification). 4 Such radiological findings appear substantially similar to those which may be found in BC tumors, 5 this making the differential diagnosis based on radiological features only extremely challenging, as in the present case.…”

Clinical efficacy of acetylcysteine combined with tetrandrine tablets on patients with silicosis and its effect on exercise tolerance and pulmonary function

“…There was no significant difference in general information between the two groups (P>0.05). All patients met the criteria for diagnosis and staging of silicosis ( 13 ). The cases were excluded due to pregnancy, lactation, other tumors, liver and kidney dysfunction, emphysema, pulmonary tuberculosis and other lung related diseases.…”

Bronchoscopic Management of Endobronchial Atypical Carcinoid With Argon Plasma Coagulation and Laser: A Rare Case With Literature Review

“…Central carcinoid tumors may be associated with a mucoid impaction [ 10 ]. A bronchocele, or mucoid impaction, is a common radiographic finding best characterized as tubular opacities, also known as the finger-in-glove sign [ 11 ]. Bronchoceles are most associated with benign neoplastic processes including lipomas, endobronchial hamartomas, and papillomatosis [ 11 ].…”