Correct!
3. Neurogenic tumor
The chest radiograph (Figure 1) shows that the abnormal contour extends cranially to just above the anterior first rib and clavicular margins suggesting a relatively anterior location, based on the foregoing discussion. The one incorrect choice listed- neurogenic tumor- typically arises from the posterior mediastinum, and therefore would be expected to create a contour that would extend more cranially, to the level of the posterior 1st costovertebral junction. The other choices listed are located relatively anteriorly in the superior mediastinum and therefore would be correct considerations for the appearance of the abnormality at chest radiography. Bronchogenic cyst would be a consideration here, although bronchogenic cysts are more commonly encountered in the middle mediastinum rather than the anterior mediastinum. While a posterior mediastinal localization for bronchogenic cysts is unusual, neurogenic tumors most commonly present in the posterior mediastinum.
Which of the following would be most useful for the evaluation of this patient? (Click on the correct answer to proceed to the sixth of nine pages)