Mediastinal masses are commonly encountered and have multiple differentials. Although histopathological examination is gold standard, the location of the mass narrows the diagnosis. While thyroid, thymus, germ cell tumour or lymph node related masses are common in superior mediastinum, vascular or pleuro-pericardial masses are seen in middle mediastinum. Posterior mediastinal masses are commonly neurogenic tumours, schwannoma being the commonest. We discuss a case of cystic schwannoma presenting as superior mediastinal mass.
© Journal of the Association of Physicians of India 2011.