A mediastinal mass is an abnormal growth in the central part of the chest between the lungs.
Some mediastinal masses cause no symptoms, while others can lead to cough, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, swelling, or pressure-related symptoms depending on size and position.
Imaging helps define exactly where the mass is, what structures are nearby, whether it looks cystic or solid, and whether biopsy planning is needed.
Chest CT and MRI help define where the mass is, what structures it affects, and whether biopsy planning is needed.
Management depends on the cause and may include monitoring, biopsy, surgery, oncology care, or specialist chest evaluation.
This entry explains the finding. The next step is having a radiologist interpret your specific scan, not a general definition.
