Mediastinum — Divisions and Contents

A 68-year-old woman undergoes a routine chest CT for evaluation of persistent cough. The scan incidentally reveals a 3 cm mass in the posterior mediastinum at the level of T6–T8 vertebrae, with erosion of the vertebral body. The radiologist notes the lesion is posterior to the esophagus and anterior to the vertebral column. The patient is asymptomatic except for the cough. Based on the anatomical location and imaging findings, which of the following structures is most likely to be compressed or invaded by this lesion?

A 35-year-old woman undergoes CT chest for recurrent cough and is found to have a posterior mediastinal mass. Which is the most common diagnosis?

A 38-year-old woman from Mumbai is found to have an incidental anterior mediastinal mass on routine chest X-ray done for persistent cough. She is asymptomatic with normal vital signs. Contrast-enhanced CT confirms a 4 cm anterior mediastinal mass with heterogeneous enhancement. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

Which anatomical feature best distinguishes the anterior mediastinum from the superior mediastinum?

Which is the most common primary mediastinal mass in adults?